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Camp

As a noun, a camp is an arrangement of temporary shelter, usually intended for use over only a short period of time. The term is also used for smaller military bases. It is a shortened form of encampment, which is derived ultimately from the Latin for "field".

See also: campsite, camping.


As an adjective, camp refers to an ironic appreciation of that which might otherwise be considered corny, such as Carmen Miranda with her tutti-frutti hats. The term is often applied to popular culture events which are particularly dated or inappropriately serious, such as the low-budget science fiction movies of the 1950s and 60s. The attitude is identified with male homosexuals, but is a common "take" on esthetics and not restricted to any group. As a verb, the word in this sense is closer to its apparent derivation from from the French slang term camper, which means "to pose in an exaggerated fashion", as in camping it up.

See also: kitsch, drag queen


In politics, a camp is a group of certain political side such as conservative camps.



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