Here's a breakdown:
Cheesy:
* Focuses on sentimentality: Often used for things that are overly sweet, sappy, or sentimental to the point of being embarrassing.
* Examples: A cheesy love song, a cheesy romantic movie, cheesy Christmas decorations.
* Origin: The term "cheesy" is thought to have originated from the texture of cheese, which can be seen as "overly smooth" or "too sweet".
Corny:
* Focuses on clichés and unoriginality: Used for things that are predictable, outdated, or lack originality. They often rely on tired jokes, worn-out phrases, or predictable plots.
* Examples: A corny joke, a corny TV show, a corny pick-up line.
* Origin: The term "corny" is thought to have come from corn itself, which is seen as a simple, unrefined crop.
While both terms are similar, there are subtle differences:
* Cheesy emphasizes sentimentality, while corny emphasizes clichés and unoriginality.
* "Cheesy" can be more specifically associated with romance, while "corny" is broader.
Ultimately, both terms are subjective and can vary based on personal taste. What one person finds cheesy or corny, another may find charming or heartwarming.