of low taste

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of low taste" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe something that is considered tasteless or offensive. For example: The comedian's jokes were of low taste and not suitable for a family audience.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"New Jersey has been treated as a place of low taste and lack of sophistication," said Dr. Mappen.

The New York Times

In the 1950's, the senior statesmen of publishing fretted that the paperback revolution would mean the further spread of low taste.

The New York Times - Magazine

The list of restricted programmes also included talk shows and emotional stories that were deemed to be of "low taste", said the Xinhua news report.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Sometimes in Washington he attended burlesque shows and was said to have remarked, "I thank God I am a man of low tastes".

Encyclopedia Britannica

If it is of low tastes only that you speak, then we will quote to you the saying of Cyrus, the Persian king, that "it is not given to the same land to produce excellent fruits and men valiant in war". I mention these phenomena in the order in which they are first observed.

The New York Times - Books

There seems to be some contempt here, about those who purchase objects of such "low taste", which I find troubling – there's only disdain in this work, not the surreal, disturbing or sublime that marks the work of those American forbears who created art with the banal products of popular culture: Jeff Koons, Haim Steinbach and Mike Kelley.

Independent

A glance at the current television schedule might give a viewer whiplash without even flipping channels, as the major networks veer to wild extremes of high and low taste.

The New York Times

The meld of high-concept and low taste, the ostensibly slightly shocking presented in a matter of fact way this is very Das Institut.

Vice

On a more abstract level, galleries do probably also need to up their sales game to compete in an era of selfie culture and trivial digital generation providing plenty of low cost, taste-customized printable fodder for consumers to fill up their walls.

TechCrunch

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and implementation of low-cost taste sensors.

Sensors and Actuators A: Physical

There are not even telling descriptions of the low-taste items that clutter the aisles of Toys R UsUs.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "of low taste", ensure the context clearly indicates what is considered tasteless, as it's a subjective judgment. For example, specify the object or behavior deemed to be "of low taste".

Common error

Avoid using "of low taste" as a blanket statement without considering cultural differences or individual preferences. What one person finds distasteful, another may find amusing or acceptable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of low taste" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes something considered tasteless or offensive. It's typically used to express disapproval or criticism.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of low taste" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, albeit relatively uncommon. As Ludwig AI explains, it serves to describe something considered crude, vulgar, or lacking in refinement. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it carries a neutral register and functions as a descriptive adjective. When employing this phrase, it's important to be mindful of the subjective nature of taste and to provide clear context for what's being deemed distasteful. Related alternatives include "tasteless" and "vulgar", each offering a slightly different shade of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tasteless

Conveys a lack of aesthetic or social judgment; more direct and concise.

in bad taste

Similar meaning with a connotation related to social conventions.

vulgar

Suggests crudeness or lack of sophistication, emphasizing social inappropriateness.

crude

Implies a lack of refinement or delicacy, focusing on the unpolished nature.

unrefined

Highlights the lack of polish or cultivation in something.

unsophisticated

Focuses on the absence of complexity or worldly knowledge.

lowbrow

Refers to something intended for or appreciated by those with simple or uncultivated tastes.

lacking refinement

Emphasizes the absence of polish and elegance.

of poor quality

Indicates a general deficiency in standards or characteristics.

kitschy

Describes something excessively garish or sentimental, often ironically appreciated.

FAQs

How can I use "of low taste" in a sentence?

You can use "of low taste" to describe something considered crude, vulgar, or lacking refinement. For example, "The comedian's jokes were "of low taste" and offended many audience members."

What's a more direct alternative to "of low taste"?

Alternatives to "of low taste" include "tasteless", "vulgar", or "crude", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "of low taste"?

It is appropriate to use "of low taste" when describing something that violates accepted standards of social decorum, aesthetic judgment, or moral principles, based on your assessment. Consider if the phrase is the best option to get your idea across.

Is "of low taste" the same as "in bad taste"?

While similar, "of low taste" focuses on the inherent qualities of the thing itself, whereas "in bad taste" emphasizes the inappropriateness of it in a given social context.