kitsch

Meanings

Noun

• Art, decorative objects and other forms of representation of questionable artistic or aesthetic value; a representation that is excessively sentimental, overdone, or vulgar.
• Product of a creative process where the medium receives more attention than the substance.
• Symbol of identity or social status that is associated with conformity, mediocrity or lack of originality.

Adjective

• Of art and decor: of questionable aesthetic value; excessively sentimental, overdone or vulgar.

Related

Similar words

• camp
• corny

Origin

• From German Kitsch, from dialectal kitschen, the word and concept were popularized in the 1930s by several critics who contrasted it with avant garde art.