cornball etymology

Etymology:

The term "cornball" is a slang expression that first appeared in the early 1900s. It is believed to have originated from the practice of using corn (dried corn kernels) as a cheap, playful prop for comedy routines.

Meaning:

"Cornball" is used to describe something or someone that is:

• Cringeworthy and unoriginal: Lacking in originality, humor, or sophistication.
• Overly sentimental or saccharine: Exhibiting excessive sweetness or sentimentality, to the point of being cloying or embarrassing.
• Foolish or ridiculous: Acting in a silly or nonsensical manner, often in an attempt to be funny.

Origin:

The term "cornball" likely originated from vaudeville and minstrel shows. In these performances, comedians would often throw dried corn kernels at the audience as a joke. Over time, "cornball" came to be associated with the cheap and often unoriginal humor of these shows.

By the 1920s, "cornball" had become a slang expression for something or someone that was considered corny or unfunny. It has since been used to describe everything from bad jokes to awkward social interactions.

Examples:

• "That pickup line was so cornball, I couldn't help but cringe."
• "The movie was such a cornball romance, it made me want to barf."
• "Don't be such a cornball. Grow up!"

cornball relate terms

• ball

  Etymology French balle Latin palla ball Meaning and Origin The word ball come

• ballocks

  Etymology The word ballocks is derived from the Middle English word ballok which was

• corn

  Etymology of Corn The word corn has a complex etymology that has evolved over time

• barleycorn

  Etymology The word barleycorn is a compound word that derives from the Old English word

• maize

  Etymology Maize comes from the Taino language of the indigenous people of the Caribbea

• corny

  Etymology The word corny is believed to have originated from the 19th century expressio

• corn

  Etymology of Corn The word corn has a complex etymology that has evolved over time

• Florida

  Etymology and Meaning The name Florida comes from the Spanish word florido meaning

• affinity

  Etymology Latin affinitas meaning relationship by marriage Old French affinité

• endure

  Etymology Old French endurer Latin indūrāre to harden make firm Proto Indo Euro

• theology

  Etymology and Origin The word theology is derived from two Greek roots Theos Meanin

• mercurial

  Etymology Latin mercurialis from Greek hermaion from Greek Hermes the Greek

• Titan

  Etymology French Titane Greek Τιτάν Titán Meaning Giant or powerful b

• slang

  Etymology of Slang Originated in the 18th century as a shortening of slangwhanger a

• milk

  Etymology The word milk comes from the Proto Indo European root melg meaning to mil

• seedy

  Etymology The word seedy comes from the Middle English word seed which itself deriv