campy

IPA/ˈkæmpi/
KK[kˈæmpi]IPA/ˈkæmpi/

campy — adjective

  • campypositive
  • campiercomparative
  • campiestsuperlative

1. Describes a style in films, fashion, or live performances that is intentionally

1.形容詞B2
釋義

Describes a style in films, fashion, or live performances that is intentionally over-the-top and theatrical, using exaggeration or artificiality to create a humorous, ironic, or playful effect.

例句

The director's campy horror film featured actors in glittery vampire costumes and purple fog.

campy + film — describes an intentionally over-the-top movie

Yuki wore a campy outfit to the party with oversized shoulder pads and neon feathers.

campy + outfit — describes exaggerated fashion

同義詞
  • theatrical

    more neutral; can be positive or negative depending on context

  • over-the-top

    more informal; zero emphasis on the self-aware, ironic quality that 'campy' carries

  • kitschy

    focuses on bad taste or sentimentality that is enjoyed ironically; 'campy' highlights theatrical exaggeration

反義詞
  • understated

    deliberately simple or subtle, the opposite of exaggerated

  • naturalistic

    aiming for realism rather than artificiality

文法句型

campy + noun (film, style, outfit, performance, humour)

用法筆記

Carries an affectionate or appreciative tone when the exaggeration feels intentional and clever, but can be mildly dismissive if the artificiality seems unintentional or poorly executed. Especially common when discussing films, fashion, and pop culture from the 1960s through the 1990s.

常見錯誤

❌That scary movie was campy and I couldn't sleep.
✅That scary movie was campy but I found it hilarious rather than frightening.
💡'campy' describes intentional exaggeration meant to amuse, not genuinely scary content.
❌This restaurant has campy food.
✅This restaurant has a campy interior design with velvet walls and mirrored ceilings.
💡'campy' applies to visual style or performance, not to taste or flavour.