Corniness refers to the quality of being trite, sentimental, or excessively simplistic, often to the point of eliciting amusement or embarrassment. It describes something that lacks originality, is predictable, and relies on well-worn tropes, clichés, and overly saccharine expressions. A person, a situation, a piece of art, or a statement can be labeled as corny if it feels forced, insincere, or overly obvious in its attempt to elicit an emotional response or convey a message. This quality can also be seen in things like a specific kind of humor, or even a style of dress, if it is an attempt to stand out that comes across as silly or desperate. It also generally refers to anything that sounds or looks contrived, hackneyed, or insipid.
Corniness meaning with examples
- The movie's relentless use of predictable plot twists and sappy dialogue, culminating in a tearful reunion at the airport, was the epitome of corniness. It was so over-the-top and formulaic that the audience couldn't help but groan and laugh at the same time. The film seemed to revel in its own lack of subtlety, sacrificing any potential for genuine emotional impact for a series of easily-anticipated moments.
- The musician's ballad, filled with clichéd lyrics about lost love and the moon, was a prime example of corniness. While the melody was pleasant enough, the words were so predictable and lacked any real depth or originality that it felt almost satirical. The audience had a hard time taking it seriously and found themselves looking around at each other, smiling, and fighting back fits of laughter. It was clear that there were many who were waiting for the song to end.
- His proposal, complete with a flash mob and a giant banner proclaiming his love, bordered on corniness. While the gesture was undeniably grand and likely well-intentioned, it felt staged and impersonal rather than truly romantic. It played into all the classic tropes, and although it may have felt like the most romantic act, the execution of this moment took away from its potential value for the recipient and her friends and family.
- The comedian's reliance on stale puns and dad jokes, frequently delivered with a wink and a nudge, often veered into corniness. His style of humor was so predictable that it felt like he was just going through the motions. Audiences were always on the edge of their seats waiting for him to deliver the punch line, but most of the time, it fell flat and left them cringing at the lack of imagination and subtlety.