Kitschiest

Part of speech: adjective

Definitions

1. Exhibiting a style that is overly sentimental or tacky
2. Marked by an excessive appeal to clichés and superficial charm
3. Having an appearance that is overly flashy and tasteless in a way meant to attract attention

Etymology: "Kitschiest" is the superlative of "kitschy," so it names the most extreme example of whatever is tasteless and gaudy. Its root, "kitsch," is German, and the English adjective is built by adding the familiar suffix "-y," which turns a noun into a description meaning "having the quality of" that noun. The German adjective "kitschig" follows the same pattern, so the English form is a direct parallel rather than a separate invention. Because the superlative adds "-iest" to a word ending in "-y," the "y" changes to "i" before the ending, the same spelling change seen in "happiest" or "silliest." The result is a word that describes the gaudiest thing in a group of already garish things, which is why it tends to appear in comparisons, such as the kitschiest souvenir shop on the seafront.

Synonyms: tacky, cheesy, gaudy, clashy, campy

Antonyms: elegant, refined, tasteful, sophisticated, subtle