Campy

Campy is an adjective describing something that is deliberately exaggerated, theatrical, and often humorous in an ironic, self-aware way. It embraces artifice, stylization, and excess, and is frequently discussed in relation to kitsch, parody, and retro aesthetics. In criticism, campy elements are often valued for their audacity and playfulness.

The term derives from camp, a broader sensibility that values elegance, wit, and artificiality. Susan Sontag's 1964 essay Notes on 'Camp' helped popularize the concept, defining camp as a mode of aesthetic experience that revels in the artificial, the exaggerated, and the theatrical. Camp is not merely a matter of taste but a conscious attitude toward culture and display.

Campiness is typically marked by irony, flamboyant styling, and a willingness to parody high culture. It often features exaggerated gender performance, lush production values, and a wink at the audience. The appeal lies in recognizing the self-conscious artifice rather than pretending it is sincere.

Campy qualities appear across media, including film and television programs, stage works, fashion collections, and music videos. Works described as campy may be loved for their charm and humor, or dismissed for perceived insincerity. Critics sometimes argue that camp challenges norms by celebrating excess and parody rather than merely rejecting it.