tacky

Mid-19th century. Sense 1 ('sticky') from 'tack' (a sticky substance) + '-y'. Sense 2 ('lacking taste') possibly from 'tack' (as in horse tack, implying something common or of poor quality) + '-y', or from a separate sense of 'tack' implying roughness or inferior condition.

ADJ (1)

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pegajoso literalcommon / adherente formaltechnical / viscoso texturefluidity / fresco paintnot_dry (Refers to paint or varnish that is still wet or not thoroughly dry, thus sticky.) / gomoso gummytexture

Synonyms sticky general , adhesive technical , viscous scientific , gummy informal , gooey informaldescriptive , clammy textureunpleasant

Antonyms dry direct_opposite , smooth texture , non-adhesive technicaldirect_opposite

When referring to something that is slightly sticky to the touch or not thoroughly dry, the most common and versatile Inglés translation is pegajoso. This term is generally applicable to surfaces, substances, or even a feeling. For a more formal or technical context, such as in scientific or industrial descriptions, adherente can be used, emphasizing the quality of sticking or adhering. When the stickiness implies a thick, syrupy consistency, like that of certain liquids, viscoso is appropriate, although it describes viscosity more than just tackiness. If you are specifically talking about paint or varnish that is not yet dry and thus sticky, the word to use is fresco. This term specifically indicates that something (like paint) is still 'fresh' or wet, and inherently implies its sticky state. Lastly, gomoso can describe a gummy or rubbery-sticky texture, similar to chewing gum.

comparative	superlative
tackier	tackiest

La pintura aún está pegajosa al tacto. — The paint is still tacky to the touch.
La resina es muy adherente. — The resin is very tacky.
El aceite es bastante viscoso. — The oil is quite tacky (viscous).
Ten cuidado, la pintura del banco está fresca. — Be careful, the bench paint is tacky (still wet).
La sustancia es gomosa y se pega a los dedos. — The substance is gummy and tacky to the fingers.

ADJ (2)

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hortera informalcolloquialbad_tastegaudy (A very common and direct translation, especially for appearance, fashion, and decor that lacks style or good taste, often being showy and cheap.) / de mal gusto literalphrasegeneral (Literally 'of bad taste'; a very accurate and widely applicable translation.) / chabacano vulgarcrudelacking_refinement / cutre informalshabbycheappoor_quality (Implies something is poor quality, shoddy, or cheaply made, often extending to poor taste in appearance.) / chillón garishloudcolorspatterns (Refers specifically to colors or patterns that are excessively bright, clashing, or showy, thus appearing in poor taste.)

Synonyms tasteless direct_synonym , gaudy overly_showy , vulgar crudeoffensive , cheap low_quality , shoddy poorly_made , kitschy artistic_styledeliberately_bad_taste , tawdry cheap_and_showy , garish loud_and_bright

Antonyms tasteful direct_opposite , elegant refined , sophisticated cultured , chic fashionable , classy high_qualityinformal

To describe something as lacking style, good taste, or being cheap or shoddy in appearance, Inglés offers several options. The most direct and broadly applicable translation, literally meaning 'of bad taste,' is de mal gusto. This phrase can apply to anything from fashion and decor to behavior and comments. A very common and direct translation, especially in colloquial contexts, is hortera. This term often describes something that is showy, gaudy, and cheap-looking, particularly in relation to fashion, decor, or music. It carries a stronger connotation of being deliberately flashy but ultimately tasteless. For something crude, vulgar, or lacking refinement, chabacano is a suitable choice; it implies a lack of sophistication or good manners that manifests in poor taste. If the focus is on something being cheap, shabby, or of poor quality, which often results in it looking 'tacky,' cutre is a good informal option. Finally, when describing excessively bright, clashing, or showy colors or patterns that are in poor taste, chillón is the specific term to use. It literally means 'loud' or 'screaming' colors.

comparative	superlative
tackier	tackiest

Su decoración de Navidad es un poco de mal gusto. — Their Christmas decor is a bit tacky.
Compró un bolso muy hortera. — She bought a very tacky handbag.
Sus comentarios fueron bastante chabacanos. — His comments were quite tacky (crude).
El hotel era un poco cutre. — The hotel was a bit tacky (shabby).
No me gusta ese color chillón. — I don't like that tacky (garish) color.