What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cornball
Example
That movie was so cornball, with its outdated special effects. [cornball: adjective]
Example
He always tells cornball jokes that no one finds funny. [cornball: noun]
square
Example
My parents are so square, they don't understand my taste in music. [square: adjective]
Example
Don't be such a square, come out and have some fun with us. [square: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Square is more commonly used than cornball in everyday language. Square is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while cornball is less common and refers to a specific type of sentimentality or cheesiness.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cornball and square?
Both cornball and square are informal words and are not appropriate for formal situations. However, square may be seen as more neutral and less playful than cornball, making it slightly more appropriate for certain informal situations.
