tackiness
UK: ˈtæk.i.nəs | US: ˈtæk.i.nəs
n. the quality of being sticky or adhesive
n. (informal) the quality of being tasteless or lacking style
tackiness = tacky<sticky/tasteless> + ness<noun suffix>
- tacky: Derived from tack (a small nail or pin, implying something crude or cheap) + -y (adjective suffix). Originally referred to stickiness (like glue on a tack), later extended metaphorically to describe something gaudy or tasteless.
- -ness: Old English noun-forming suffix indicating a state or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word tacky emerged in the 19th century, initially describing the stickiness of half-dried glue (akin to the adhesive quality of a tack). By the late 1800s, it evolved to describe cheap or vulgar aesthetics, likely because sticky surfaces attract dirt and debris—symbolizing something unrefined. The suffix -ness formalized the abstract quality, creating tackiness.
The tackiness of the glue made it hard to peel off the paper.
Her outfit’s tackiness was obvious with its bright mismatched colors.
The paint’s tackiness indicated it wasn’t fully dry.
Critics mocked the film’s tackiness, calling it overly sentimental.
Avoid touching the surface until the tackiness fades.