corny

corny — adjective

1. describes a joke, story, film, song, or remark that was perhaps amusing or touch

1.形容詞B2
釋義

describes a joke, story, film, song, or remark that was perhaps amusing or touching when first used but now feels boring or forced because it has been repeated too often or relies too heavily on obvious sentiment.

例句

Meera told a corny joke about a chicken, and nobody in the room laughed.

corny + joke — typical collocation for unoriginal humour

The film's ending was too corny — a slow-motion hug with soft music in the background.

corny ending — describes predictable sentimental scenes in films

同義詞
  • cheesy

    More about poor quality or over-the-top effect than about being overused; often used for special effects, music, or design.

  • hackneyed

    More formal; emphasises that an idea or phrase has been used so many times it has lost all meaning.

  • trite

    Formal register; focuses on the lack of originality in ideas or remarks.

  • stale

    Emphasises that something once fresh has gone flat through repetition; can be used for news, jokes, or relationships.

反義詞
  • original

    New and interesting; the opposite of lacking new ideas.

  • fresh

    Not previously used or heard; feels new and engaging.

  • clever

    Shows intelligence and wit; the opposite of a corny joke.

文法句型

corny + noun

be / seem / feel + corny

用法筆記

Typically used to describe cultural products (jokes, films, songs, stories, lines, speeches, poems). The tone is critical but can be affectionate when describing something familiar and loved despite being unoriginal. Avoid in formal or academic writing.

常見錯誤

❌The speech was very corny, said the professor in her academic review.
✅The speech felt corny and out of place at the formal ceremony.
💡'corny' is informal and sits awkwardly in a formal register.
❌This dish tastes corny.
✅This dish tastes like corn.
💡'corny' does not mean 'tasting of corn' (the grain). That sense exists only in highly specialised technical use and is not relevant to learners.