What does kitsch mean?
Kitsch refers to art, literature, or music that is considered to be of poor taste or overly sentimental. It is characterized by its use of clichés, sentimentality, and a general lack of subtlety. Kitsch can be found in many forms, including souvenirs, decorations, and popular culture. While some people see kitsch as a form of camp or irony, others view it as simply bad taste. The term kitsch is often used to describe things that are trying too hard to be popular or fashionable, and it is often associated with a lack of refinement or elegance. Despite its negative connotations, kitsch can be a useful term for describing art or literature that is intentionally ironic or humorous.
nounKitsch refers to art, literature, or music that is considered to be of poor taste or overly sentimental, often because it is trying too hard to be popular or fashionable. It is characterized by its use of clichés, sentimentality, and a general lack of subtlety.
- Art or literature that is considered to be of poor taste
- Overly sentimental or clichéd art or literature
"The souvenir shop was filled with kitsch decorations, including ceramic cats and velvet Elvis paintings."
"The movie was a kitsch masterpiece, with over-the-top special effects and a cheesy plot."
"The artist's use of bright colors and cartoon characters was seen as kitsch by some, but others loved its playfulness."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of kitsch
The term kitsch originated in the mid-19th century in Germany, where it referred to a type of cheap, sentimental literature. The word is thought to have come from the German word 'kitschen', which means 'to scrape together' or 'to peddle'. Over time, the term kitsch came to be used to describe not just literature, but also art, music, and other forms of popular culture that were considered to be of poor taste or overly sentimental.
Usage notes
Kitsch is often used to describe art or literature that is intentionally ironic or humorous, but it can also be used to describe things that are simply in poor taste. The term is often associated with souvenirs, tourist traps, and other forms of mass-produced art.