Definition of tacky

The word "tacky" originally referred to a type of cloth used for upholstery that was covered with small, raised dots or bumps, known as "tacks." These tacks were used to secure the fabric to the frame of the furniture. Over time, the term came to refer to anything that was covered with these small, raised protrusions. The word "tacky" also began to connote a low-quality or tacky appearance, as the use of tacks for upholstering became less common and fell out of favor. By the mid-1700s, the word "tacky" was being used to describe more than just furniture. It began to be applied to a wide range of objects and situations that were considered unsightly, poorly made, or cheaply produced. Today, the meaning of "tacky" has further expanded to encompass anything that is gaudy, vulgar, or lacking in taste or refinement. But its origins in the world of upholstery and furniture design provide an interesting insight into how a term originally used to describe a functional detail can evolve to become a word with broader, more negative connotations.