Kitsches

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Characterized by art or design that is considered to be in poor taste due to its exaggerated sentimentality or superficiality
2. Describing items that are aesthetically cheap or gaudy, often appealing to mass-market sensibilities rather than artistic depth
3. Referring to creations or styles deemed trite or pretentious, often aimed at eliciting a shallow emotional response

Etymology: The term you’re asking about seems to be a variant or misspelling of "kitsch," which is the standard form used in English. The word "kitsch" originally entered German in the mid-19th century, likely deriving from the slang used by artists and dealers in Munich to describe cheap, popular, and gaudy art or objects that were considered tasteless or overly sentimental. Kitsch as a concept emerged during a period when industrialization and mass production began flooding markets with affordable decorative items that mimicked high art but lacked its subtlety and sophistication. The term quickly gained traction among critics and cultural commentators who used it to highlight the divide between "serious" art and popular, commercialized aesthetics. It was brought into English in the early 20th century, where it retained much of its German connotation. Linguistically, "kitsch" is believed to come from the German verb "kitschen," meaning to make cheap or to sell trashy art. Some scholars suggest it might be related to the word "kitschen" meaning to throw together hastily or roughly, reflecting the perception that kitsch objects were cheaply and carelessly made. Over time, the word became a catch-all for anything considered lowbrow, overly sentimental, or tacky, often with a humorous or ironic edge. The plural form you provided, "kitsches," is not standard but follows English rules of pluralization by adding -es. While "kitsch" itself is typically treated as an uncountable noun, in casual or colloquial use, one might encounter "kitsches" to refer to multiple objects or instances of kitsch, though this is less common. In summary, the word traces back to 19th-century Germany, captures a cultural tension between mass-produced art and high art, and has been absorbed into English with much of its original flavor intact. Its usage remains a way to discuss the aesthetics of popular culture and taste.

Synonyms: tackies, trashy art, camp, tasteless art, gaudy art

Antonyms: fine art, high art, classic art, sophisticated art, avant-garde