the tacky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the tacky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is considered cheap, gaudy, or lacking in good taste. Example: "The decorations at the party were a bit over the top and felt quite tacky."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The tacky crowds.

The New Yorker

Gone are the tacky coloured-light shows.

The Economist

Stephen told her about the tacky paintings he had sold.

The New Yorker

How, then, to separate the tacky from the tasteful?

The New York Times

Simone gave the tacky song an unbearable pathos.

The Guardian - Arts

Being dumped by its own champions did not help, nor did the tacky tributes.

The New York Times - Arts

The tacky talk shows and dating games that fill TV screens here are a recurrent background.

The New York Times

Why lower yourself to the tacky level of Elks Clubs and church suppers?

The New York Times - Magazine

But Cone migrated to the tacky old park in Queens, almost on automatic pilot.

The New York Times - Sports

The tacky side of Bill Clinton outweighed his achievements last November, and the balance keeps worsening.

The New York Times

The arts were seen as a shield protecting the reverential from the commercial and the tacky.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an aesthetic choice, consider the specific element that makes it "tacky". Is it the color, the material, or the overall design? This specificity will make your critique more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "the tacky" as a catch-all term for anything you dislike. Instead, consider the specific qualities that make something undesirable, such as its cheapness, poor construction, or lack of originality.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the tacky" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "the" is a definite article specifying the adjective "tacky". This allows "tacky" to act as a subject or object in a sentence. Ludwig provides examples of this phrase being used to describe various concepts and objects deemed to be in poor taste.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

22%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the tacky" is a common phrase used to describe something considered cheap, gaudy, or lacking in good taste. Ludwig's AI validates its grammatical correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While generally neutral in register, its inherent judgmental tone makes it less suitable for formal academic writing. Remember to use it with specificity and avoid overgeneralization. "The tacky" serves as a noun phrase to express disapproval or criticism regarding aesthetic qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the gaudy

Focuses specifically on excessive ornamentation and showiness.

the tasteless

Emphasizes the lack of aesthetic judgment and refinement.

the cheap

Highlights the low cost and perceived low quality.

the vulgar

Implies a lack of sophistication and refinement, often associated with lower social classes.

the kitsch

Refers to objects or designs that are considered to be in poor taste but appreciated in an ironic or knowing way.

the trashy

Indicates something of very low quality and often associated with immoral behavior.

the shoddy

Highlights poor workmanship and construction.

the flimsy

Emphasizes lack of substance and durability.

the tawdry

Suggests cheapness combined with a garish appearance.

the crummy

Emphasizes poor quality and general unpleasantness.

FAQs

How can I use "the tacky" in a sentence?

"The tacky" is used to describe something that is considered cheap, gaudy, or lacking in good taste. For example, "The decorations at the party were a bit over the top and felt quite tacky."

What can I say instead of "the tacky"?

You can use alternatives like "the gaudy", "the tasteless", or "the cheap" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "the tacky" or "tacky"?

Both "the tacky" and "tacky" are correct, but they are used in different ways. "Tacky" is an adjective that describes something as being in poor taste. "The tacky" often refers to a general concept of something considered cheap, low quality, or unfashionable in general.

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

"The tacky" generally refers to something that is in poor taste, cheap, or gaudy, while "the vulgar" suggests a lack of refinement and often implies something offensive or crude. They both denote something undesirable, but "the vulgar" carries a stronger connotation of being offensive.