What does cheesily mean?
Cheesily is an adverb meaning in an excessively sentimental, melodramatic, or corny manner. It typically describes behavior, writing, performances, or emotional displays that seem contrived, maudlin, or calculated to provoke an affectionate response. A character might smile cheesily, a song might end cheesily, or a speech might be described as cheesily sentimental. The word is informal and often mildly critical, suggesting that sincerity is being exaggerated or that the emotion feels insincere. Despite the surface reference to cheese, cheesily is not normally used in a literal culinary sense. It derives from the adjective cheesy, which has both cheese-related meanings and a figurative meaning dating to the 20th century. Cheesily is useful because it concisely identifies a recognizable style of overly sentimental expression, often one that unintentionally becomes humorous or embarrassing.
adverbIn a way that is excessively sentimental, melodramatic, or corny; in a manner regarded as maudlin or insincere.
- In an excessively sentimental, melodramatic, or corny manner.
"The advertisement smiled cheesily at a bygone era, with swelling strings and a cartoon dog."
"He smiled cheesily and reminded everyone of the summer they had all hoped to forget."
"The film's ending was so cheesily sentimental that the audience laughed."
Move over, cheese lover: cheesily usually has nothing to do with dairy.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of cheesily
Cheesily is an English adverb formed by adding -ly to the adjective cheesy. Cheesy was originally related to the quality or appearance of cheese, but by the 20th century it was also being used for material that was conspicuously sentimental or melodramatic. The base word cheese comes through Old English cēse from Proto-Germanic, ultimately from Latin caseus.
How cheesily is actually used
Informal and generally disparaging, especially when describing writing, performances, behavior, or emotional displays. It is common in both British and American English but is not usually used for literal qualities associated with cheese.
Easily confused with cheesily
Cheesily is an adverb describing an excessively sentimental or melodramatic manner, while cheesy is the corresponding adjective, as in a cheesy grin or a cheesy joke.