Kitsch is art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but sometimes appreciated in an ironic or knowing way. It often involves mass-produced items that imitate high art or culture but lack genuine artistic merit.

In slang, kitsch often describes something considered tacky, overly sentimental, or unfashionable, but can also imply an appreciation for its bad taste. It's used to describe items or styles that are intentionally or unintentionally humorous due to their gaudiness.

An example of kitsch would be a velvet painting of Elvis, a plastic flamingo lawn ornament, or a mass-produced figurine of a weeping child. These items are often seen as overly sentimental and lacking in artistic sophistication, yet can be collected ironically.

Synonyms for kitsch include tackiness, gaudiness, cheesiness, and camp. These words all describe items or styles that are considered to be in poor taste or overly sentimental.