Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Excessively and tearfully sentimental; maudlin; lachrymose: Describes a state of being overly emotional, especially in a tearful, whiny, or self-pitying manner. It implies a display of emotion that is perceived as weak, indulgent, or lacking in dignity.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • Cô ấy khóc sướt mướt khi xem bộ phim buồn. (She cried maudlinly while watching the sad movie.)
  • Đừng có sướt mướt nữa, hãy mạnh mẽ lên! (Stop being so lachrymose; be strong!)
  • Giọng văn của cuốn tiểu thuyết đó hơi sướt mướt. (The prose of that novel is somewhat overly sentimental.)

Advanced Usage

• The word is almost always used in a critical or disapproving sense to describe someone's behavior or a style of expression (in writing, film, etc.) as excessively and unattractively tearful or sentimental.

Variants and Related Words

• Sướt: A less common, abbreviated root implying dampness or moisture, often related to tears. "Sướt mướt" is the standard and complete form.
• Mướt: Can imply a glossy, wet sheen (e.g., "lá mướt" - glossy leaves), contributing to the imagery of wetness from tears in the compound.

Synonyms

• Maudlin: Sentimental in a self-pitying or tearful way.
• Lachrymose: Inclined to weep; tearful.
• Mawkish: Sentimental in a feeble or sickly way.
• Overly sentimental: Excessively emotional.

Related Idioms

• Khóc sướt mướt: To cry in a blubbering, overly emotional way.
  • Đứa trẻ khóc sướt mướt vì bị mất đồ chơi. (The child cried pitifully because he lost his toy.)