camp

2
[ kamp ]
/ kæmp /

noun

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.
a person who adopts a teasing, theatrical manner, especially for the amusement of others.

verb (used without object)

Also camp it up. to speak or behave in a coquettishly playful or extravagantly theatrical manner.

adjective

campy: camp Hollywood musicals of the 1940s.

Origin of camp

2
1905–10; perhaps dial. camp impetuous, uncouth person (see kemp1); hence, slightly objectionable, effeminate, homosexual; in some senses probably special use of camp1 brothel, meeting place of male homosexuals

Words nearby camp

camorrista, camote, camouflage, camouflet, camoëns, camp, camp bastion, camp bed, camp chair, camp david, camp david accords

British Dictionary definitions for camp it up (1 of 3)

Camp
/ (kæmp) /

noun

Walter (Chauncey). 1859–1925, US sportsman and administrator; he introduced new rules to American football, which distinguished it from rugby.

British Dictionary definitions for camp it up (2 of 3)

camp 1
/ (kæmp) /

noun

verb

Derived forms of camp

camping, noun

Word Origin for camp

C16: from Old French, ultimately from Latin campus field

British Dictionary definitions for camp it up (3 of 3)

camp 2
/ (kæmp) informal /

adjective

effeminate; affected in mannerisms, dress, etc
homosexual
consciously artificial, exaggerated, vulgar, or mannered; self-parodying, esp when in dubious taste

verb

(tr) to perform or invest with a camp quality
camp it up
  1. to seek to focus attention on oneself by making an ostentatious display, overacting, etc
  2. to flaunt one's homosexuality

noun

a camp quality, style, etc

Word Origin for camp

C20: of uncertain origin

Medical definitions for camp it up

cAMP

abbr.

cyclic AMP

Idioms and Phrases with camp it up (1 of 2)

camp it up

Make an extravagant, affected, or vulgar display, as in Amateur actors often camp it up, trying to be more dramatic. Originating in the 1950s as slang for flamboyant behavior stereotypically associated with gay men, this term began to be used more loosely by about 1970. Also see ham it up.

Idioms and Phrases with camp it up (2 of 2)

camp