Part of Speech: adjective
Pronunciation: ['kæmp]
Definition: Effeminate, homosexual hence ostentatious, theatrical and hence
outlandish or vulgar to the point of being amusing.
Usage: The term is not flattering, so apply it gingerly, "Oh, do invite Lois; without one of her camp outfits to snip at it won't be a party!" It applies to either sex in its more recent metaphorical sense: "How camp can you get? I saw him driving a pink Cadillac with silver cow horns mounted on the hood."
Suggested Usage: The adjective is derived from the noun "camp" which originally referred to exaggerated effeminate behavior of homosexuals or to such homosexuals themselves. Currently the word is used more frequently in reference to anything outlandishly and tastelessly artificial, out of fashion, or otherwise inappropriate. Some speakers add the adjective suffix -y to form, "He may be straight but he sure has a campy walk." In some regions you will encounter a verb: "What are you camping it up for? Don't your clothes attract enough attention?"
Etymology: The origin of today's word has been consumed by collective forgetfulness so all we can do is thank Silvia Simon for reminding us of this mysterious lexical oddity.
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