What does cheesy mean?

Pronunciation

/ˈtʃizi/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Adjective

Definition

Ephemeral, fleeting, or transitory; lacking in substance, intellectual content, or artistic merit; excessively sentimental, emotional, or overly simplistic.

Examples

• The rom-com was criticized for its cheesy dialogue and predictable plot.
• The singer’s cheesy ballads failed to impress the music critics.

Synonyms

• Clichéd
• Tacky
• Corny

Antonyms

• Intellectual
• Complex
• Sophisticated

Additional Information

What does “cheesy” mean refers to something that lacks depth or originality, often characterized by overuse of sentimental or emotional elements. This sense of the word is closely related to the notion of “corny,” although “cheesy” tends to connote a more playful or lighthearted tone. However, in some cases, “cheesy” can also be used to describe something that is genuinely insincere, manipulative, or emotionally exploitative, leaving a bad taste or feeling with the audience.

The concept of “cheesiness” is often associated with popular culture, particularly in the context of film, television, and music. It can refer to tropes, plot devices, or character archetypes that have become clichéd or overused, and thus, lacking in creative or artistic value.

The English language has a unique relationship with what does “cheesy” mean. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word “cheesy” has its roots in the 18th century, when it was used to describe something as “like cheese” or “full of holes” – metaphorically or literally. Over time, the meaning has evolved to encompass a range of connotations related to quality, taste, and authenticity.

In modern English, what does “cheesy” mean has become a ubiquitous term for describing something that is perceived as banal, insipid, or lacking in substance. This word has also gained a life of its own, with new idioms, phrasal verbs, and metaphorical expressions emerging to capture the essence of “cheesiness”.

Etymology

The word “cheesy” has its origins in the 18th century, when it was used to describe something as “like cheese” or “full of holes” – metaphorically or literally. The term likely emerged from the idea that cheese, especially soft or processed cheese, can be overly processed, artificial, or lacking in natural ingredients, much like what does “cheesy” mean in contemporary usage.

Usage Notes

When using what does “cheesy” mean in a sentence, it’s essential to consider the context and tone. In general, the word should be employed sparingly, as overuse can lead to a loss of impact or credibility. It’s also crucial to use what does “cheesy” mean in a nuanced and respectful manner, avoiding stigmatizing or belittling individuals who may genuinely appreciate sentimental or emotive content.

Cultural References

What does “cheesy” mean has appeared in numerous films, TV shows, and songs, often to highlight the overuse of sentimental or clichéd elements. Notable examples include the film “The Big Lebowski,” the TV show “Friends,” and the song “Cheesy” by The Vines.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Say the cheesiest thing you can think of
• This movie is so cheesy
• That joke was kind of cheesy

Related Words or Phrases

• Tacky
• Clichéd
• Corny
• Sentimental

Collocations

• a cheesy boyfriend
• a cheesy line
• a cheesy movie
• a cheesy song

Frequency of Use

What does “cheesy” mean has become a common term in everyday language, particularly in informal settings or online communities. While its frequency of use may vary depending on the context and audience, it’s clear that the word has a robust presence in modern English.

Common Misspellings

• Cheasy
• Cheasyer
• Chessy
• Chesye