tacky

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "tacky" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that is tastelessly or cheaply made, or in bad taste. Example sentence: The party decorations were very tacky.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gradually add enough warm water to form a soft dough – it should be soft and pliable but not tacky.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Those that are too mechanised, such as the German Gebetomat a vending booth for prayers in 65 languages which Mr Crompton dubs "multifaith for cheapskates"—can seem tacky.

The Economist

It was the kind of cheap, tacky place I had always hated, but now found myself frequenting with a resignation that bordered on affection.

The Guardian - Opinion

Aigburth comes up on you unexpectedly, with no pylons to house floodlights giving away its location, no little signs pointing the way to the car parks, no tacky stands selling club favours.

The Guardian - Sport

To see what makes thecentre:mk special, go to the new mall next door: Midsummer Place, an inept design of "friendly" wavy roofs and tacky materials which contrasts with the original vision in almost every way.

The Guardian - Arts

In Patrick Ward's "Poster Power" – printed just as Flower Power was waning in 1967 – there is no distinction between the sacred and the profane, the sublime and the tacky.

The Guardian

Using Twitter, she said: "I've seen tacky people … but rarely seen someone as tacky as ElizabethLauten for slamming the children of the POTUS".

The Guardian

A scene of mass execution is followed by a joke about tacky wedding dresses.

The Economist

Almost unknown today, "The Last Days of Pompeii" (1935), by the team who made "King Kong", is a cracking gladiator movie culminating in a tacky Vesuvian eruption that is like popcorn-time in your local multiplex.

The Economist

The working-class young got BBC Three, a cheerfully tacky channel with shows such as "Snog, Marry, Avoid?"The cost-cutting plans signal an end to this strategy.

The Economist

Although some find it all a bit tacky, Dubai has shown imagination, a knack for getting things done, and an ability to harness capital and use top international talent.Not everyone is convinced that Dubai's financial designs will be so profitable.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tacky" to describe an item's appearance, be specific about what makes it so. Instead of saying "That dress is tacky", try "That dress is tacky because of the clashing sequins and neon colors."

Common error

While "tacky" is widely understood, avoid it in formal writing where a more precise or sophisticated term like "meretricious" or "gaudy" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The word "tacky" primarily functions as an adjective. It is used to describe something as being in poor taste, cheaply made, or vulgar. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English. Ludwig's examples clearly illustrate this adjectival role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Science

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "tacky" functions as an adjective used to describe something as being in poor taste or of low quality. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English writing. The word appears frequently in news media and encyclopedias, with neutral formality. For professional or academic contexts, alternatives such as "gaudy", "meretricious", or "vulgar" might be more appropriate. Common errors involve overuse in formal contexts, where precise language is favored. As for authoritative sources, "The Economist", "The Guardian", and "The Independent" demonstrate frequent usage of the term.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in poor taste

Directly expresses the idea of lacking aesthetic or social appropriateness.

gaudy

Implies a tasteless showiness or excessive ornamentation.

tasteless

Highlights the lack of aesthetic sensibility.

vulgar

Suggests a lack of refinement or good taste; often offensive.

cheap

Indicates low quality or inexpensive materials and design.

trashy

Conveys a strong sense of poor quality and bad taste, often associated with vulgarity.

garish

Implies an excessively bright and clashing combination of colors.

low quality

Focuses specifically on the inferior standard of the item or product.

tawdry

Suggests cheap and showy ornamentation; often morally questionable.

meretricious

Appearing attractive but having in reality no value or integrity.

FAQs

How can I use "tacky" in a sentence?

You can use "tacky" to describe something that is in poor taste or of low quality. For example: "The decorations were a bit tacky", or "I thought his joke was tacky".

What are some synonyms for "tacky"?

Alternatives to "tacky" include "gaudy", "vulgar", "cheap", or "tasteless", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to call something "tacky" in a formal setting?

While generally understood, "tacky" is often considered informal. In formal settings, consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "meretricious" or "gaudy" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "tacky" and "cheap"?

"Cheap" primarily refers to the cost or quality of materials, while "tacky" focuses on the aesthetic or stylistic aspects that are considered to be in poor taste. Something can be cheap but not tacky, and vice versa.