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corny

adjective
USKOR-nee/ˈkɔɹni/UKKAW-nee/ˈkɔːni/

7 meanings of corny

Practice

  1. 1
    cheesyadjective
    Used so many times that it feels old and boring, or too sweet and full of feeling.

    Dad told another corny joke at dinner, and we all groaned.

    The song was sweet, but the words were a little corny.

    UsageOften in a corny joke. You can say a bit corny.

    Similarcheesy, schmaltzy, kitschy, tacky, campy

    Oppositeoriginal, fresh, subtle

    Note
  2. 2
    adjectiveslang
    Not cool, and a bit stupid, said mostly about a person or something they do.

    You're so corny for telling on us to the teacher.

    That new rule about no phones at lunch is corny.

    UsagePeople say that's corny, or you're corny for doing something.

    Similarlame, uncool, cringey, pathetic

    Oppositecool

    Note
  3. 3
    with kernelsadjectiverare
    Having corn in it, as some breads and muffins do.
    Fiesta Corny Muffins / Cornbread goes with everything: salad, soup, and chili.
    2016, Stephanie Clarke, Willow JaroshHere, corny means having corn in it.
    Country Cornbread Muffins (page 290) / Marlene Says: The cool crunchy salad and slightly sweet corny muffins are perfect partners to the creamy, spicy black bean soup.
    2012, Marlene Koch, Eat More of What You Love

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Origins

Meanings 1–5

From Middle English, made from corn + -y. The meaning 'old and silly' comes from bad jokes that were said to be printed in seed catalogues.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts

  • Corny comes from Middle English and is formed from corn + -y. en.wiktionary.org
  • The meaning old and silly derives from bad jokes reportedly printed in seed catalogues. en.wiktionary.org
Meaning 6

From the Latin word cornu, meaning 'horn'.

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 2 facts