campy
Amusingly over-the-top
Campy describes entertainment or behavior that's exaggerated, theatrical, and often intentionally tacky in a way that's amusing rather than embarrassing.
Camp revels in artifice, melodrama, and over-the-top aesthetics—think drag queens, old horror films, or kitschy décor.
Something campy isn't trying to be taken seriously; it winks at its own absurdity.
The movie's campy dialogue and dramatic deaths made it a cult classic.
The related noun camp refers to this aesthetic sensibility itself.
Tasteless, garish art
- tackyVulgar or slightly sticky
- glitzyShowily eye-catching
- gaudyTastelessly ornate
- rhinestoneImitation gem of glass
sequined · neon · velvet · glitter · drag · Liberace · Vegas · pulp
Excessively dramatic or extravagant
- flamboyantStrikingly bold in style
- melodramaticExaggeratedly emotional in expression
- ostentatiousShowily excessive
- gaudyTastelessly ornate
garish · flashy · showy · extravagant · bombastic · theatrical · hammy · histrionic
kitsch
Tasteless, garish art
rhinestone · sequined · neon · velvet · glitter · drag · Liberace · Vegas · pulp · trash
over-the-top
Excessively dramatic or extravagant
- flamboyantStrikingly bold in style
- melodramaticExaggeratedly emotional in expression
- ostentatiousShowily excessive
gaudy · garish · flashy · showy · extravagant · bombastic · theatrical · hammy · histrionic · hyperbolic
parody
Satirical imitation
- satireMockery exposing vice
- tongue-in-cheekHumorously not meant literally
- ironicExpressing contrary meaning
self-aware · absurdist · farce · spoof · send-up · kitschy · cheesy · corny · B-movie · schlocky
- funnyfunny, comical, hilarious, humorous, amusing
- comedy typesclown, satire, parody, farce, slapstick
- theatricaltheatrical, dramatic, melodramatic, histrionic, hammy
- Kitschkitsch, kitschy, tacky, gaudy, garish
- Performance Stylesmethod acting, classical acting, comedic acting, physical theater, screen acting
- schlockschlock, schlocky, trash, junk, dreck
campysubtle
Not immediately obvious
understated · restrained · minimalist · refined · tasteful
- summer campSeasonal youth retreat
- boot campInitial military instruction program
- camp outSleep outside temporarily
- camping tripRecreational stay outdoors
- happy camperSatisfied, untroubled person
- band campsOvernight musical training programs
camp, camper, camping, camps, scamp, scamper, decamp, encampment, encamp