cartoonish

Cartoonish is an adjective used to describe something that resembles, imitates, or is reminiscent of cartoons. It typically refers to visual attributes such as exaggerated features, simplified anatomy, bright colors, and clear outlines that prioritize expressiveness over realism. Beyond images, the term can also describe behavior, dialogue, or tone that is playful, exaggerated, or implausible in a way associated with cartoons.

The word derives from cartoon, a term with multiple historical meanings in art. In its original sense, cartoon referred to a preparatory, full-size drawing used in fresco painting. The sense of a humorous or comic drawing emerged in the 18th and 19th centuries, and the related adjective cartoonish appears to describe things that resemble such cartoon styles in form or mood.

In practice, cartoonish is common in animation, illustration, character design, and graphic media. It can convey accessibility, humor, or whimsy, but it may also signal unreality or a lack of seriousness. The connotation is highly context-dependent: it can be positive when describing a lively, easy-to-read aesthetic, or negative when implying artificiality or oversimplification.

Related terms include cartoon, cartoon-like, and stylized. Cartoonish often implies intentional exaggeration or simplified rendering, whereas stylized is a broader term for any non-naturalistic design that may or may not be exaggerated. A caricature is a closely related concept that uses deliberate exaggeration for satirical effect, though it typically targets specific features rather than overall style.