Synonyms in Detail: hacky and tacky Usage & Differences

What context can I use each word in?

Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!

hacky

Example

He tried to fix the broken chair with some duct tape, but it looked hacky. [hacky: adjective]

Example

The code he wrote was hacky and hard to maintain. [hacky: adjective]

tacky

Example

The decorations for the party were tacky and over-the-top. [tacky: adjective]

Example

She wore a tacky outfit to the wedding and stood out for the wrong reasons. [tacky: adjective]

Good things to know

Which word is more common?

Tacky is more commonly used than hacky in everyday language. Tacky is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of things, from fashion to decor to behavior. Hacky, on the other hand, is a more specialized word that is typically used in technical or professional contexts.

Whatโ€™s the difference in the tone of formality between hacky and tacky?

Both hacky and tacky are informal words that are commonly used in casual conversation. However, tacky is generally considered more informal and less appropriate for formal contexts, while hacky can be used in both formal and informal settings depending on the context.

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