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camp²

(kămp)

Deliberate affectation or exaggeration of style, especially of popular or outdated style, for ironic or humorous effect: "Camp is popularity plus vulgarity plus innocence" (Indra Jahalani).

adj.

1. Showing or characterized by camp: played up the silliness of their roles for camp effect.

2. Given to or characterized by exaggerated, effeminate mannerisms.

v. camped, camp·ing, camps

v.intr.

1. To act in a histrionic or exaggerated manner.

2. To act in an exaggerated, effeminate manner.

v.tr.

To exaggerate or overdramatize: camped up the characters in the play.

[Origin unknown.]

campy adj.

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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