What does schlocky mean?
Schlocky is an informal adjective describing something of poor quality, especially an inexpensive or carelessly made product. The term often suggests that an item looks cheap, is badly designed or constructed, or is unlikely to last, and it commonly carries a mildly disparaging or humorous tone. “Schlocky merchandise” and “schlocky goods” are typical expressions, while speakers may also use the word more broadly for anything perceived as second-rate. Although associated chiefly with American English, it is also understood in British English and appears in informal discussion of shops, products, technology, furniture, food, and other goods. The word is useful when a speaker wants to convey a strong but less formal criticism than words such as “shoddy” or “poorly made,” while avoiding the more technical language used in formal consumer reports.
adjectiveLow-quality, shoddy, or cheaply made. The word is informal and often implies that something is poorly designed, poorly made, or not worth its price.
- Low-quality, shoddy, or cheaply made.
"We replaced the schlocky office chairs with sturdy ones from a reputable supplier."
"The restaurant is inexpensive, but the food is surprisingly good rather than schlocky."
"He refused to buy the schlocky speaker after noticing that its casing was already cracking."
Schlocky is the vocabulary equivalent of a bargain bin: inexpensive, dubious, and probably not built to last.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does schlocky come from?
Schlocky is a 20th-century English formation from “schlock” with the suffix “-y.” The noun “schlock” was borrowed from Yiddish and originally referred to goods or merchandise, particularly goods regarded as cheap or of poor quality. Its extended English sense for shoddy merchandise allowed the derived adjective “schlocky” to develop naturally.
How schlocky is actually used
This is an informal, usually mildly derogatory term, common especially in American speech. It is more common in speech than in formal writing.