Definition of campy

"Campy" originated in the 1960s, derived from the word "camp," which itself has a complex history. Originally, "camp" referred to a style of theatrical performance characterized by exaggerated gestures, dramatic flair, and often, a playful embrace of the artificial. This meaning arose in the late 19th century. In the 1960s, "camp" began to be used more broadly, encompassing a sense of the outlandish, kitschy, and humorous, often associated with LGBTQ+ culture. "Campy" emerged as a more casual and playful term to describe things that embodied this exaggerated, over-the-top aesthetic.