# camp as a row of tents

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/camp-as-a-row-of-tents
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Very camp, highly campy.

## Examples

- His outfit for the party is camp as a row of tents.
- The actor wore a bright, feathered costume that was camp as a row of tents.
- The performance was intentionally exaggerated and camp as a row of tents, delighting the audience with its bold, theatrical flair.

## Origin

Derived from a pun on the homonymy of the term camp, suggesting a visual and linguistic alignment between the state of being ostentatious and the orderly arrangement of a military bivouac.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.