schmaltzy

Thân thiện

A singer performs a schmaltzy ballad on stage.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Excessively sentimental, emotional, or romantic in a way that is often perceived as insincere, exaggerated, or cloying. It describes something, especially art, music, or writing, that appeals to shallow or unearned emotions.

Usage

The word "schmaltzy" is used to criticize creative works for being overly and simplistically emotional. It implies a lack of subtlety, depth, or authenticity in its attempt to evoke feelings. - It is a colloquial, often informal term with a negative connotation. - It is frequently applied to music (e.g., love songs, film scores), movies, literature, and performances.

Examples

• The movie's ending was so schmaltzy that it felt manipulative rather than moving.
• He dismissed the pop ballad as a schmaltzy tune with predictable lyrics.
• The director avoided schmaltzy sentimentality, opting for a more realistic portrayal of the relationship.

Advanced Usage

• As a noun ("schmaltz"): The root word "schmaltz" literally means rendered chicken fat in Yiddish, but figuratively means excessive sentimentality. "Schmaltzy" is the adjective form.
  • The film was full of pure schmaltz, but the audience loved it anyway.

Variants and Related Words

• Schmaltz (n): Excessive sentimentality.
  • The novel was criticized for its heavy-handed schmaltz.
• Schmaltzily (adv): In a schmaltzy manner.
  • The scene was schmaltzily scored with violins.

Synonyms

• Maudlin: Tearfully or weakly sentimental.
• Bathetic: Characterized by a ludicrous descent from the lofty to the commonplace; anticlimactically sentimental.
• Mawkish: Sentimental in a sickly or false way.
• Cornsentimental: Cloyingly sentimental.
• Slushy: Excessively sentimental.
• Soppy (informal): Foolishly sentimental.

Antonyms

• Unsentimental
• Hard-edged
• Cynical
• Restrained
• Austere

Related Idioms/Phrases

• Lay on the schmaltz: To apply or include excessive sentimentality deliberately.
  • The finale really laid on the schmaltz with a reunion scene and a soaring orchestral piece.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. effusively or insincerely emotional
   • a bathetic novel
   • maudlin expressions of sympathy
   • mushy effusiveness
   • a schmaltzy song
   • sentimental soap operas
   • slushy poetry