Definition

The quality of being overly sentimental or corny, often in a way that is considered cheesy or insincere.

Example

The movie was filled with hokiness, making it hard to take the story seriously.

Conversation

Have you noticed how some movies are just full of hokiness?

Totally! It's like they try too hard to be funny or emotional.

Yeah, I think it really takes away from the story sometimes.

Exactly, a little authenticity goes a long way.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'hokiness' originates from the slang term 'hokey', which is believed to derive from the earlier term 'hokey-pokey', a phrase used in various contexts, often implying something that is insincere or fake. The suffix '-ness' indicates a state or quality. Therefore, 'hokiness' refers to the quality of being hokey or insincere.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hokey' as something that feels insincere or fake, and remember that '-ness' indicates a state. So, hokiness is the state of being insincere.

Visually Confused Words