Campiness

/ˈkæmpɪnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or characteristic of being camp; exaggerated, theatrical, or deliberately over-the-top style or behavior.

Etymology

From camp plus the suffix -ness, forming a noun meaning 'the quality of.' As camp became a recognized aesthetic in the 20th century, the abstract noun naturally formed.

Kelly Says

The campiness of something is hard to define but instant to recognize—it's that special moment when exaggeration crosses from ridiculous to clever, and the audience realizes they're being let in on the joke!

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