Cheesy vs. Sentimental — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Published on December 8, 2023
"Cheesy" refers to something overly clichéd or inauthentic, while "Sentimental" describes deep emotional attachment or nostalgia.
Difference Between Cheesy and Sentimental
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Cheesy" and "Sentimental" both relate to emotions, but while "Cheesy" often conveys a lack of originality or insincerity, "Sentimental" pertains to genuine feelings or nostalgia.
A "Cheesy" remark or gesture may come off as insincere or trying too hard, whereas a "Sentimental" gesture is often heartfelt and evokes a sense of the past.
It's not uncommon to find movies or songs labeled as "Cheesy" due to their predictable or overly dramatized nature. In contrast, "Sentimental" works often tug at the heartstrings, reminding individuals of personal memories or emotions.
"Cheesy" may sometimes be used in a lighthearted or playful manner to describe something that's so bad it's good. On the other hand, "Sentimental" typically holds a more respectful and sincere connotation.
People might avoid "Cheesy" expressions for fear of appearing inauthentic, but many embrace "Sentimental" expressions as they cherish genuine emotions and memories.
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Comparison Chart
Connotation
Often negative or insincere
Generally positive or nostalgic
Authenticity
Can imply lack of authenticity
Implies genuine feelings
Usage
Often about clichés or overused tropes
Pertains to heartfelt memories or emotions
Emotional Depth
Might lack depth or originality
Has deep emotional attachment
Context
Seen in light-hearted or overly dramatic content
Common in reflective or reminiscent content
Compare with Definitions
Cheesy
Trying too hard to be impressive.
The movie had cheesy special effects.
Sentimental
Evoking tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia.
The old song made her feel sentimental.
Cheesy
Overly sentimental in a superficial way.
The ending of the show was cheesy and predictable.
Sentimental
Reflecting deep emotions or attachments.
He kept the letter for sentimental reasons.
Cheesy
Lacking originality or depth.
That pickup line was so cheesy.
Sentimental
Relating to or prompted by feelings.
That was a sentimental gesture on his part.
Cheesy
Of low quality or poor taste.
The décor in the room was a bit cheesy.
Sentimental
Having, showing, or caused by emotion, especially tender or affectionate feeling
I have sentimental ties to the small town I grew up in.
Cheesy
So bad that it's amusing.
The old sci-fi movie was cheesy but fun.
Sentimental
Having, showing, or caused by strong or extravagant tenderness or sadness, often in an idealized way
"He had no sentimental illusions about poverty's virtues" (Sherill Tippins).
Cheesy
Containing or resembling cheese.
Sentimental
Characterized by sentiment, sentimentality or excess emotion.
Cheesy
Of poor quality; shoddy
A movie with cheesy special effects.
Sentimental
Derived from emotion rather than reason; of or caused by sentiment.
Cheesy
Vulgarly pretentious or sentimental
A cheesy romantic comedy.
Sentimental
Romantic.
Cheesy
Of or relating to cheese.
This sandwich is full of cheesy goodness.
Sentimental
Having, expressing, or containing a sentiment or sentiments; abounding with moral reflections; containing a moral reflection; didactic.
Nay, ev'n each moral sentimental stroke,Where not the character, but poet, spoke,He lopped, as foreign to his chaste design,Nor spared a useless, though a golden line.
Cheesy
Resembling or containing cheese.
A cheesy flavor;
Cheesy nachos
I like pizzas with a cheesy crust.
Sentimental
Inclined to sentiment; having an excess of sentiment or sensibility; indulging the sensibilities for their own sake; artificially or affectedly tender; - often in a reproachful sense.
A sentimental mind is rather prone to overwrought feeling and exaggerated tenderness.
Cheesy
(informal) Overdramatic, excessively emotional or clichéd, trite, contrived.
A cheesy song; a cheesy movie
The cheesy antics had everyone giggling.
Sentimental
Addressed or pleasing to the emotions only, usually to the weaker and the unregulated emotions.
Cheesy
(informal) Cheap, of poor quality.
Sentimental
Given to or marked by sentiment or sentimentality
Cheesy
Exaggerated and likely to be forced or insincere.
Sentimental
Effusively or insincerely emotional;
A bathetic novel
Maudlin expressons of sympathy
Mushy effusiveness
A schmaltzy song
Sentimental soap operas
Slushy poetry
Cheesy
Having the nature, qualities, taste, form, consistency, or appearance of cheese.
Sentimental
Prone to feelings of tenderness or nostalgia.
She's always been a sentimental person.
Cheesy
Of very poor quality
Sentimental
Being overly emotional.
Some argue the story is overly sentimental.
Common Curiosities
Can "Sentimental" be about memories?
Yes, "Sentimental" often relates to cherished memories or the past.
Can a movie be both "Cheesy" and "Sentimental"?
Yes, a movie can be predictably "Cheesy" but evoke "Sentimental" feelings.
What's a synonym for "Sentimental"?
"Nostalgic" or "emotional" can be synonyms for "Sentimental."
Can "Sentimental" be about genuine emotions?
Yes, "Sentimental" often pertains to genuine feelings or nostalgia.
Is "Cheesy" about insincerity?
"Cheesy" can imply a lack of authenticity or originality.
Can "Cheesy" be endearing?
In certain contexts, "Cheesy" can be endearingly amusing.
Is "Sentimental" about deep emotions?
Yes, "Sentimental" often pertains to deep emotions or attachments.
Can "Cheesy" jokes be popular?
Yes, "Cheesy" jokes, often called "dad jokes", can be popular for their simplicity and humor.
Is being "Sentimental" seen as a weakness?
Not necessarily. Many view it as cherishing memories or being in touch with emotions.
Does "Cheesy" always have a negative connotation?
Mostly, but it can be used playfully to describe something amusingly bad.
Can someone be "Cheesy" on purpose?
Yes, some might intentionally be "Cheesy" for comedic or endearing effect.
What's a synonym for "Cheesy"?
"Tacky" or "corny" can be synonyms for "Cheesy."
Does "Sentimental" always imply looking to the past?
Often, but not always. It mainly pertains to deep emotions or memories.
Is "Sentimental" value about emotional worth?
Yes, "Sentimental" value pertains to emotional significance rather than material worth.
Can "Cheesy" describe décor or style?
Yes, "Cheesy" can describe anything perceived as tacky or in poor taste.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
