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tacky

adjective (1)
\ˈta-kē \
tackier; tackiest

Definition of tacky 

(Entry 1 of 2)

: somewhat sticky to the touch tacky varnish also : characterized by tack : adhesive

tacky

adjective (2)
tackier; tackiest

Definition of tacky (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : not having or exhibiting good taste: such as

a : marked by cheap showiness : gaudy a tacky publicity stunt a tacky outfit

b : marked by lack of style : dowdy

2a : characterized by lack of good breeding couldn't run around downtown … in a bikini, which was tacky— Cyra McFadden

b : shabby, seedy a tacky town whose citrus groves were blighted by smoke— Bryce Nelson

First Known Use of tacky

Adjective (1)

1788, in the meaning defined above

Adjective (2)

1862, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

History and Etymology for tacky

Adjective (1)

tack entry 2

Adjective (2)

tacky a low-class person

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Dictionary Entries near tacky

tackweed

tack-weld

tack weld

tacky

tacky party

tacmahack

Tacna

Statistics for tacky

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for tacky

The first known use of tacky was in 1788

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More from Merriam-Webster on tacky

See words that rhyme with tacky

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tacky

Spanish Central: Translation of tacky

Nglish: Translation of tacky for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of tacky for Arabic Speakers

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