Useful English Word or Phrase to Boost Your English: Camp

What does it mean?

Camp is an informal adjective used to describe something exaggerated, flamboyant, theatrical, or deliberately over-the-top - often with humour or irony. It's strongly associated with expressive performance and style, often within gay culture.

Is it positive or negative?

It's usually positive or neutral - used to describe something colourful, expressive, or stylishly exaggerated.

When do you use it?

Use it to describe people, clothing, films, or performances that are delightfully theatrical, dramatic, or playful.

Examples

Example 1: That new musical is so over-the-top with the costumes and the acting - it's wonderfully camp.

Example 2: His choice of brightly coloured feathers in his hat was very camp.

Question for you

Can you think of a film or performer that you'd describe as camp?

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