Randy Chandler
The word cheese has a variety of meanings and connotations that are constantly evolving. While it typically refers to the food item, it can also be used in slang or colloquial expressions to convey surprise or amusement, or to describe something as cheap, corny, or in poor taste. In gaming, cheese refers to a risky strategy that may yield a quick kill but has clear counterplay. The word cheese and its derivatives like cheesy can carry negative connotations, but they are not universally considered bad or offensive. Language is fluid, and cheese can take on new meanings and associations over time, even becoming a term that artists embrace.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Is "cheesy" a bad word? | Synonymous with Corny and Tacky and generally refers to something in poor taste, garish, or socially unacceptable. |
| Is "cheesed" a bad word? | No direct evidence, but the word "cheese" is often used as an exclamation, similar to "Oh, cheese!" |
| Other meanings of "cheese" | Refers to the food; something resembling cheese in shape or consistency; a baseball-specific slang for "pitches that are fastballs"; a gaming term for a high-risk, high-reward strategy. |
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What You'll Learn
'Cheese' as a substitute swear word
The word "cheese" is not inherently bad or negative. However, it can be used as a substitute for swear words or to express frustration or surprise, similar to saying "shoot" or "darn". For example, one might exclaim "Oh cheese!" as a milder alternative to a more vulgar expression.
In addition to its literal meaning, the word "cheese" has several figurative usages. In the context of music and art, "cheesy" can describe something in poor taste, garish, or socially unacceptable. It often refers to content that is silly, childish, or fantastical, especially when treated seriously. This usage of "cheesy" has synonyms like corny and tacky.
In gaming, particularly in the context of Super Smash Bros. Melee, "cheese" refers to a high-risk, high-reward strategy that is easy to avoid but can be effective against inexperienced players. It implies a cheap tactic to secure a quick victory.
In baseball slang, "cheese" refers to fastball pitches, indicating speed and intensity.
The word "cheese" also has a figurative meaning for insincerity or exaggeration, as something that is "too good to be true."
While "cheese" can be used as a substitute swear word, its usage is often playful and lighthearted, and it is not generally considered offensive or vulgar.
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'Cheese' as a slang term for something cheap or in poor taste
The use of the word "cheese" as a slang term has evolved over the years. While the noun phrase "the cheese" was once used to refer to something or someone excellent or important, the adjective form "cheesy" has taken on a more negative connotation.
The term "cheesy" was originally used to describe something top-notch, striking, or showy. However, by the late 1800s, its meaning had shifted, and it became a vague term of depreciation, often used by students. By the 1930s, "cheesy" was exclusively used as a derogatory term, synonymous with "dirty," "disgusting," or "unpleasant." Over time, its meaning has softened slightly, and it is now often used to describe something "cheap," "inferior," "tacky," or "corny."
The negative connotations of "cheesy" may be due to the perception that cheese is a common, undistinguished, and perhaps smelly food among those who do not like cheese. Additionally, the tawdry ("flashy and tasteless") associations of "showy" may have contributed to its negative connotation.
The term "cheesy" is often used to describe something that is in poor taste, garish, or socially unacceptable. It implies that something is offensive or unpleasant, much like the strong odour of certain cheeses.
Furthermore, "cheese" has also become a slang term for money, especially in older movies and among certain demographics. This usage may have originated from the term "government cheese," referring to welfare or financial assistance.
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'Cheesy' as a descriptor for music or art
"Cheesy" is a descriptor often used to describe music or art that is in poor taste, garish, or socially unacceptable. The term is subjective and can be applied to various art forms, including music, movies, books, and paintings. While some people may use "cheesy" as a negative term, indicating that the art form is of lesser value, others may enjoy and appreciate "cheesy" music or art.
In music, "cheesy" is often associated with generic or dull songs that sound like every other pop or dance track. It can also be used to describe music that is overly uplifting, with obvious melodies or chords, or that doesn't take itself seriously. Some specific examples of "cheesy" music include mumble rap, such as "Gucci Gang," and pop or dance songs by artists like Martin Garrix and Justin Bieber.
The 1980s are often considered the cheesiest decade in terms of music and fashion. Authentic and traditional music genres, such as old-time country, Latin music, and jazz, are generally seen as less cheesy compared to more modern and commercialized genres. World music tends to become "cheesier" as it adopts more outside influences.
When applied to art, "cheesy" can describe works that lack subtlety, are overly sentimental or melodramatic, adhere to contemporary trends, possess novelty value, or have humorous elements. However, the perception of "cheesiness" can vary across different cultures and individual tastes.
While "cheesy" is often used as a negative descriptor, it is important to recognize that art appreciation is subjective. Some people may enjoy "cheesy" music or art, finding it entertaining, catchy, or fun. Ultimately, the value of any artwork is not absolute and is influenced by personal preferences and cultural contexts.
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'Cheese' as a baseball-specific slang term
Baseball is a sport with a language of its own, and "cheese" is one of the many slang terms used in the game. The term has been around since the 1980s and is used to describe a good fastball pitch. A fastball is a pitch that is thrown at a high speed, and when a pitcher throws "cheese", it means they have an even better fastball than usual, with something extra on it, such as more velocity or some movement. The term is used by players and announcers alike. For example, an announcer might say, "Lopez can get ahead of his hitters because of the cheese in his arsenal". Similarly, a player might warn his teammate, "He's throwing cheese today. Buckle up".
The origin of the term is unclear, but it has given birth to other terms with similar meanings, such as "cheddar". "High cheese" is used to describe a fastball that goes through the upper strike zone, and "alto queso" is another term for the same pitch. Hall-of-Famer Nolan Ryan was famous for his high cheese.
"Cheese" can also refer to a strategy in baseball. A "cheese strategy" is a strong strategy that requires a player to go "all-in". These strategies can be risky because they fall apart quickly if an opponent figures out how to counter them. The use of the term "cheese" in this context is often contentious among players, as opinions differ on what constitutes a "cheese strategy".
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'Cheese' as a gaming term
Cheese is a term used in gaming to refer to a strategy that is powerful and requires little skill to execute. The term is believed to have originated from the word "cheater" or "cheesy", indicating that it is a tactic that provides an unfair advantage or is of low quality. It is often associated with abusing overpowered characters or mechanisms to easily win a fight, carrying a negative connotation of exploiting unfair mechanics.
The term "cheese" in gaming came into prominence during a live broadcast in 2009, when OGN commentator Um Jae Kyung discussed the difference between a bunker rush and a "cheese" rush in StarCraft. According to Kyung, the term originated from the word "cheater's", with the Korean language often shortening words by dropping middle syllables, resulting in "chi zu" from "chi tuh zu". The "cheese" rush involves a combination of most of the Terran's SCVs and a rapidly assembled group of marines, giving players an overwhelming advantage due to the Protoss and Zerg basic units being unranged.
The usage of the word "cheese" in gaming has expanded beyond its specific association with StarCraft. It is now used more broadly to describe any all-in strategy that involves a significant sacrifice of economy or mid-game tactics that provide an unfair advantage. The term is also used in other games like Street Fighter, where certain moves or strategies are deemed "cheesy" due to their ease of execution and high damage output, regardless of the player's skill level.
Cheese has also made its way into video games beyond just the terminology. Games have featured cheese-themed levels, items, side quests, and even entire games centred around cheese. For example, the 1994 game Cheese Chase by Art & Magic casts the player as a mouse collecting cheese in a maze while avoiding rats and other obstacles. More recently, Baldur's Gate 3 allows players to transform into a wheel of cheese and roll around, adding a unique twist to gameplay.
While the term "cheese" in gaming often carries a negative connotation, it has become a widely recognised slang term within gaming communities. It represents a strategy that may be powerful but lacks the skill and complexity associated with more sophisticated approaches. As such, it is often viewed as a tactic that experienced players may frown upon, encouraging developers to implement measures to discourage "cheesing" in their games.
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Frequently asked questions
No, "cheesed" is not considered a bad word. It is often used to express frustration or surprise, similar to saying "oh cheese!"
Something described as "cheesy" is usually considered to be in poor taste, garish, or socially unacceptable.
Calling someone "cheesy" could be considered mildly offensive, as it implies that the person is doing or saying something that is not socially acceptable.
Yes, words similar to "cheesy" include corny and "tacky."
Yes, the word "cheese" is used in gaming, particularly in Super Smash Bros. Melee, to describe a strategy that is high-risk and high-reward. In baseball, "cheese" is slang for "fastballs."
