kitsch
0 synonyms and 0 antonyms for kitsch, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Art or decoration seen as tacky, overly sentimental, or in poor taste, often enjoyed ironically.
We haven't recorded synonyms for kitsch yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.
How to use kitsch
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from German Kitsch, likely linked to a dialect word meaning "to smear" or "throw together carelessly." The term caught on internationally in the 1930s among critics who used it to describe cheap or sentimental art in contrast to serious avant-garde work.
Full origin of kitsch →Frequently asked questions
What does “kitsch” mean?
The word “kitsch” means art or decoration seen as tacky, overly sentimental, or in poor taste, often enjoyed ironically. In plain terms, tacky or over-the-top in a way that can be either genuinely bad taste or charmingly so-bad-it's-good.
How do you pronounce “kitsch”?
“Kitsch” is pronounced kihch (/kɪt͡ʃ/ in IPA).
How do you use “kitsch” in a sentence?
Here is “kitsch” used in a sentence: “Her apartment was full of kitsch — plastic flamingos, snow globes, velvet paintings.”
What part of speech is “kitsch”?
Depending on how it is used, “kitsch” can be a noun and an adjective.
Where does the word “kitsch” come from?
The word “kitsch” dates back to around 1930 and comes from German.
How many meanings does “kitsch” have?
“Kitsch” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: art or decoration seen as tacky, overly sentimental, or in poor taste, often enjoyed ironically.