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What is the best Spanish translation of the English word "cheesy" (something inauthentic, trying too hard to be funny, cheap, shabby, etc.)?

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As I understand "cheesy", the translation is "cursi". And it works in Hispanoamerica too, not only in Spain. "Caseoso" is out of discussion, that's for something related to "cheese".

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  • I'd say 'cursi' would work 75% of the times to accurately translate 'cheesy'. Options in other answers would suit better in some cases and should be considered as well. – deStrangis Sep 19 '14 at 10:55
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Terms I've heard:

  • Cursi

ie.

¡Eres muy cursi!

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  • Note, that cursi would be understood in Spain only. – vartec Jan 12 '12 at 16:10
  • I'm pretty sure I've heard cursi in Mexico, too. – Flimzy Jan 12 '12 at 18:09
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    Also in Argentina – Kage Jan 12 '12 at 18:49
  • Also in Colombia - Cursi is used everywhere. – Icarus Jan 12 '12 at 20:28
  • Also in Chile . – dusan Jan 13 '12 at 0:01
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Cheesy has another meaning in English appart from "cursi":

  • Inferior or cheap: "de mal gusto" / "cutre" (slang)
  • Of a smile: "insincero"

In fact, I've only seen it used as "cutre"

Source: http://www.wordreference.com/definition/cheesy

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    I believe 'cutre' is Spain only slang. – deStrangis Sep 19 '14 at 10:57
  • No, 'cutre' is slang in Perú too. – Ricardo Sep 25 '14 at 4:47
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«Hortera» is also a good match

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  • I'm native, never heard Hortera nor do I know what it means. Wouldn't recommend using it to avoid weird "What?" looks – David Lopez Dec 14 '19 at 2:09
  • In European Spanish is totally common (Google shows 700.000 results) – rafabayona Jan 24 '20 at 15:42
  • Maybe only in Spain, because I'm from south america and never heard of it. For instance, the other suggested translation, "Cursi", has 7.1 million results. Showing it's used more than 10 times more online at least – David Lopez Jan 25 '20 at 16:43

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