hokey

comparative hokier · superlative hokiest · alternative hokie · alternative hoaky · alternative hoky

1. UScolloquialPhony, as if a hoax; noticeably contrived; of obviously flimsy credibility or quality.

   When asked for his book report, Chad came up with a series of hokier and hokier excuses.

   1 more example

   I thought the windshield wiper blades were a little hokey when I saw their cheap packaging.

2. UScolloquialCorny; overly or unbelievably sentimental.

   Terry hated going to the cinema with Pat; she always chose hokey romantic comedies that made him want to gag.

   1 more example

   After the chant, we bowed our heads and closed our eyes, as Bob administered the recitation, part prayer and part affirmation—an ever-changing hokey thing that he improvised on the spot.

   2018, Ling Ma, chapter 4, in Severance, →ISBN

   Synonyms: cheesy, kitschy, schmaltzy, bathetic, cheesy, squishy, corny, drippy