ENGLISH
REFERENCE

cheesy

adj.
US //ˈtʃizi// UK //tʃˈiːsi// cheesy
  1. 1 clichéd or sentimental (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    silly or too emotional in a way that is not original.

    excessively sentimental, clichéd, or trite; often used to describe media that lacks artistic depth.

    Example

    The movie had a really cheesy ending where everyone started singing together.

    Example

    While some critics dismissed the romantic comedy as cheesy, the audience seemed to appreciate its unapologetic use of traditional genre tropes.
  2. 2 forced or insincere (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    looking fake or forced, especially when talking about a smile.

    describing a facial expression, particularly a smile, that appears forced, exaggerated, or insincere.

    Example

    He gave a cheesy grin for the camera even though he was tired.

    Example

    The politician maintained a cheesy smile throughout the interview, even as the reporter began asking increasingly difficult questions about the budget.
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  1. 3 containing cheese (adj.)
    A2 Elementary Cooking

    tasting like cheese or having a lot of cheese in it.

    containing, resembling, or having the characteristic qualities of cheese.

    Example

    I love eating cheesy pasta for dinner when it is cold outside.

    Example

    The chef prepared a rich, cheesy sauce using a blend of aged cheddar and sharp parmesan to complement the roasted vegetables.
    • cheesy tasting
  2. 4 cheap or poor quality (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    looking cheap or badly made.

    of poor quality, shoddy, or cheap in appearance.

    Example

    The hotel lobby was decorated with cheesy plastic gold statues.

    Example

    The gift shop was filled with cheesy souvenirs that were clearly manufactured in bulk for unsuspecting tourists.
Origin

From Middle English chesy, equivalent to cheese + -y. Doublet of caseic. Compare German käsig (“cheesy”).

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