If something is called corny, it means it feels overly sentimental, old-fashioned, or embarrassingly cheesy—like a joke or line that’s trying too hard to be sweet or funny.
In real life, people roll their eyes at a friend who uses a pick-up line like “Did it hurt when you fell from heaven?” and mutter, “That’s so corny.” They might also label a holiday movie packed with predictable hugs and swelling music as corny, or tease Dad for telling the same knock-knock joke every year.
Meaning & Usage Examples
• Sentence: “His proposal speech was sweet but a little corny.”
• Sentence: “We laughed at the corny dialogue in the old sitcom.”
Common Context
Corny pops up when jokes, movies, songs, or compliments feel too sappy or outdated for the moment. It’s rarely harsh—more like playful teasing among friends.
Is corny always negative?
No. It can be affectionate, like when friends laugh at a buddy’s corny joke and still enjoy it.
Can a person be corny?
Yes. If someone often uses cheesy lines or over-the-top compliments, people might call them corny.
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