Meaning & Definition of word "Hokey"

Hokey

/ˈhoʊki/

adjective:

  • 1. Silly, contrived, or lacking in seriousness; overly sentimental or pretentious.
    • Example: The movie was filled with hokey dialogue that made it hard to take the plot seriously.
  • 2. Tasteless or artificial; lacking depth or authenticity.
    • Example: The restaurant's decor was a bit hokey, with plastic plants and faux antiques everywhere.
  • 3. Not genuine; insincere.
    • Example: His hokey performance felt rehearsed and unconvincing during the heartfelt scene.

Etymology

Origin unknown, possibly from hokey-pokey, referring to something that is not genuine.

Common Phrases and Expressions

hokey pokey:

A children's game or dance, also refers to something nonsensical or silly.

it's all hokey:

Referring to something as being phony or insincere.

Related Words

corny:

Overly sentimental or unsophisticated.

kitschy:

Art or objects that are considered to be in poor taste but appreciated in a somewhat ironic way.

Slang Meanings of hokey

Meaning: Used to describe something as over-the-top or exaggerated.

Example Sentence: That advertisement was so hokey, with all the cheesy effects.

Meaning: Refers to behavior that is overly sentimental or false.

Example Sentence: She always puts on this hokey act when she's trying to impress someone.