hokey (adj.)

1927, from hoke + -y (2). Related: Hokiness.

Entries linking to hokey

"overact, act insincerely," 1935, theatrical slang, probably back-formed from hokum. Often with up (adv.).

adjective suffix, "full of or characterized by," from Old English -ig, from Proto-Germanic *-iga- (source also of Dutch, Danish, German -ig, Gothic -egs), from PIE -(i)ko-, adjectival suffix, cognate with elements in Greek -ikos, Latin -icus (see -ic). Originally added to nouns in Old English; used from 13c. with verbs, and by 15c. even with other adjectives (for example crispy).

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updated on September 04, 2012

Definitions of hokey from WordNet

hokey (adj.)

effusively or insincerely emotional;

Synonyms: bathetic / drippy / maudlin / mawkish / kitschy / mushy / schmaltzy / schmalzy / sentimental / sappy / soppy / soupy / slushy

hokey (adj.)

artificially formal;

Synonyms: artificial / contrived / stilted

From wordnet.princeton.edu, not affiliated with etymonline.

Dictionary entries near hokey

ho-hum

hoi polloi

hoist

hoity-toity

hoke

hokey

hokey-pokey

hokum

hold

holder

holding