Cheesy

[nq:1]What is the origin/explanation of the word "cheesy"? Am I correct in thinking it has something to do with saying "cheese" to mimic a phony smile for a photograph?[/nq]
Cassell's Dictionary of Slang has three different entries for "cheesy."

One is a mid-19th century word with positive connotatons: "fine or showy." Probably not what you're thinking of.
Second is mid-19th c. on

[nq:2]What is the origin/explanation of the word "cheesy"? Am I ... saying "cheese" to mimic a phony smile for a photograph?[/nq]
[nq:1]Cassell's Dictionary of Slang has three different entries for "cheesy." One is a mid-19th century word with positive connotatons: "fine ... as you do, that there is a connection. But also that not every use of "cheesy" is derived from this.[/nq]
Thanks, Do

[nq:2]Cassell's Dictionary of Slang has three different entries for "cheesy." ... that not every use of "cheesy" is derived from this.[/nq]
[nq:1]Thanks, Donna, as usual I'm only partly right

[nq:2]Thanks, Donna, as usual I'm only partly right But the word isn't considered slang, or is it?[/nq]
[nq:1]Well, Cassell's m

It may or may not be slang, but it is informal.

SML

[nq:2]Well, Cassell's must have, to make entries for it.[/nq]
[nq:1]I guess it can list non-slang words that have 'slang meanings'.[/nq]
I'm not quite with you. Most or at least many "slang" words are also non-slang. Looking down columns of Cassell's Dictionary of Slang, I'd say about half of their words are "ordinary" in appearance that have picked up special meanings, such as
conundr

[nq:1]What is the origin/explanation of the word "cheesy"? Am I correct in thinking it has something to do with saying "cheese" to mimic a phony smile for a photograph?[/nq]
Another common meaning of "cheesy" is one denoting an object that is flimsy, wispy, cheap, or even slipshod in appearance/function (like a cheesy moustache, or suit).
In this case, I have always assumed there might be

[nq:2]I guess it can list non-slang words that have 'slang meanings'.[/nq]
[nq:1]I'm not quite with you. Most or at least many "slang" words are also non-slang. Looking down columns of Cassell's ... appearance that have picked up special meanings, such as conundrum (******) convenience (privy) convenient (prostitute) convent (brothel) convey (steal)[/nq]
But this is exactly what I mean! Wh

[nq:2]What is the origin/explanation of the word "cheesy"? Am I ... saying "cheese" to mimic a phony smile for a photograph?[/nq]
[nq:1]Another common meaning of "cheesy" is one denoting an object that is flimsy, wispy, cheap, or even slipshod in appearance/function (like a cheesy moustache, or suit).[/nq]
Same goes for the phony smile, don't you think?
[nq:1]In this case, I have alway

">> Another common meaning of "cheesy" is one denoting an object that is

Actually, Merriam-Webster doesn't even include your "phony" definition at all.
Main Entry: cheesy
Pronunciation: 'chE-zE
Function: adjective
Inflected Form(s): chees·i·er; -est

1 a : resembling or suggesting cheese especially in consistency or odor b :containing cheese

2 : SHAB