Literary notes about tacky (AI summary)
In literature, “tacky” is a versatile term that functions on both a literal and figurative level. It often describes a physical quality—such as a slightly sticky surface in paints, glues, or processed materials—that indicates a transitional state vital to finishing techniques ([1], [2], [3]). At the same time, the word is used metaphorically to critique aesthetics, conveying an impression of unpleasant tackiness that can be attributed to objects, settings, or even personal style ([4], [5], [6]). This dual usage allows authors to evoke sensory details while subtly imparting judgments about the quality or taste of what is being described ([7], [8]).
- More satisfactory results are obtained by allowing the tint to become slightly “tacky” before padding.
— from The China Painter Instruction Book by George Erhart Balluff - The book should be left for about an hour, or till it no longer feels tacky to the touch, but still retains its flexibility.
— from The Art of Bookbinding: A practical treatise, with plates and diagrams by Joseph William Zaehnsdorf - Rounding and backing are best done after the glue has ceased to be tacky, but before it has set hard.
— from Bookbinding, and the Care of Books A Handbook for Amateurs, Bookbinders & Librarians by Douglas Cockerell - It's through Mrs. Hart she meets those queer, tacky people.
— from The Common Lot by Robert Herrick - “You look as tacky as I did the day Betsy and I slipped off.”
— from Mimi at Sheridan School by Anne Pence Davis - Madison, my first town, showed me that my clothes were homemade and tacky.
— from The Log-Cabin Lady — An Anonymous Autobiography - But, on the other hand, if the varnish remains too soft and “tacky,” it will “cake” in time and destroy the effect desired.
— from Henley's Twentieth Century Formulas, Recipes and Processes - We looked like a tacky party as almost every one had on something borrowed or incongruous.
— from Back at School with the Tucker Twins by Nell Speed
