What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
kitschy
Example
The restaurant's decor was so kitschy, with its neon lights and vintage posters. [kitschy: adjective]
Example
I love the kitschy charm of this old diner, with its vinyl booths and jukebox. [kitschy: noun]
tacky
Example
I can't believe she wore that tacky dress to the wedding. [tacky: adjective]
Example
The party decorations were so tacky, with their plastic streamers and balloons. [tacky: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tacky is more commonly used than kitschy in everyday language. Tacky is a widely recognized term for something that is in poor taste, while kitschy is less common and may be more subjective in its usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between kitschy and tacky?
Both kitschy and tacky are informal words and are not typically used in formal contexts. However, tacky may be seen as more informal and colloquial than kitschy, which can sometimes be used in a more elevated or ironic tone.
