I felt obligated to post this definition of 'camp' since I believe it to be the most accurate. This is borrowed from dictionary.com:
1. something that provides sophisticated, knowing amusement, as by virtue of its being artlessly mannered or stylized, self-consciously artificial and extravagant, or teasingly ingenuous and sentimental.
2. a person who adopts a teasing, theatrical manner, esp. for the amusement of others.
3. An affectation or appreciation of manners and tastes commonly thought to be artificial, vulgar, or banal.
4. Banality, vulgarity, or artificiality when deliberately affected or when appreciated for its humor: "Camp is popularity plus vulgarity plus innocence"
adj. Having deliberately artificial, vulgar, banal, or affectedly humorous qualities or style: played up the silliness of their roles for camp effect.
So you can see, camp, as it was originally known as and still, in my opinion, most accurately, has nothing to do with being gay.
1. something that provides sophisticated, knowing amusement, as by virtue of its being artlessly mannered or stylized, self-consciously artificial and extravagant, or teasingly ingenuous and sentimental.
2. a person who adopts a teasing, theatrical manner, esp. for the amusement of others.
3. An affectation or appreciation of manners and tastes commonly thought to be artificial, vulgar, or banal.
4. Banality, vulgarity, or artificiality when deliberately affected or when appreciated for its humor: "Camp is popularity plus vulgarity plus innocence"
adj. Having deliberately artificial, vulgar, banal, or affectedly humorous qualities or style: played up the silliness of their roles for camp effect.
So you can see, camp, as it was originally known as and still, in my opinion, most accurately, has nothing to do with being gay.
by Daemone Darker March 3, 2009
something considered amusing not because of its originality but because of its unoriginality. According to Susan Sontag, "The essence of Camp is its love of the unnatural: of artifice and exaggeration. And Camp is esoteric -- something of a private code, a badge of identity even, among small urban cliques." (Notes on Camp)
Campy movies: Attack of the 50-foot Woman, Plan 9 From Outer Space, The Tingler, Barbarella
Other examples: Baltimore, The National Enquirer, fake fur, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Tiki, and polyester plaids
"I love disco precisely why everyone else seems to dislike it: disco is just so darn campy."
Other examples: Baltimore, The National Enquirer, fake fur, Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Tiki, and polyester plaids
"I love disco precisely why everyone else seems to dislike it: disco is just so darn campy."
by mandingoe June 6, 2004
Effeminate way of being Gay. One can be camp without being gay. Floppy wrists. Think Elton John and Jack from Will & Grace.
by :P September 22, 2003
1.) In Multiplayer games, the act of remaining in one spot (usually secluded) with a sniper rifle or other area waiting for enemy players to emerge as easy targets. Generally looked upon as a "cheap" method of gaining kills.
by Manawski February 24, 2003
As Defined by John Schmor, PhD: Camp is Failed Seriousness. To the extremes on both sides usually defines certain aspects of camp. It is not ONLY in relation to Gay Sensibilities, but it plays a heavy part in what camp is recognized as. Mind you, not only Gays can create camp nor are they the only ones who recognize it, it is merely an easy way for Gay sensibilites to be defined because we must hide ourselves from society to the length that we can only bring out those innermost feelings in a "campy" scenario.
Camp is cross dressing in a Freudian slip. Camp is Laughing at The Importance of Being Earnest and not knowing why. Camp is laughing at the Importance of Being Earnest and knowing why.
by J.Y. Hash January 7, 2005
by Andrew1019647 February 23, 2007