tacky /ˈtæki/ adjective5 •Gaudy or flashy.Steve Randle was seventeen, tall and lean, with thick greasy hair he kept combed in complicated swirls. He was tacky, smart, and Soda's best buddy since grade school. — 1967 •(informal) In poor taste.That was a tacky thing to say. •(informal) Of low quality.That market stall sells all sorts of tacky ornaments. •Of a substance, slightly sticky.This paint isn't dry yet; it's still a bit tacky. •Shabby, dowdy in one's appearance or dress. formstackies · tackier · tackiest