sob-sister

A sob-sister writes a touching story for the newspaper.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Female journalist specializing in sentimental stories: "sob-sister" refers to a female reporter or writer who produces articles designed to evoke pity or sympathy, often focusing on emotional or tragic subjects.
   • A person who expresses exaggerated sympathy: Informally, it can describe anyone, especially a woman, who displays overly sentimental or tearful behavior, often insincerely.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The newspaper hired a new sob-sister to cover human-interest stories. (A female journalist who writes emotional pieces.)
  • She played the sob-sister at the meeting, crying over minor issues. (A person showing exaggerated sympathy or tears.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act the sob-sister": to behave in an excessively sentimental or tearful manner, often for effect.
  • He accused her of acting the sob-sister just to gain attention. (Pretending to be overly emotional.)

Variants and Related Words

• Sob story (n): a sad story told to gain sympathy.
  • She told a sob story about losing her job, but it wasn't true. (An emotional tale meant to elicit pity.)
• Sob (v): to cry noisily.
  • He sobbed uncontrollably at the funeral. (Cried with loud gasps.)

Synonyms

• Sentimentalist: a person who is overly emotional or nostalgic.
• Weepy journalist: a reporter who writes tear-jerking stories.
• Pathos peddler: someone who exploits emotion for effect.

Related Idioms

• Crocodile tears: false or insincere tears.
  • Her apology seemed like crocodile tears, not genuine regret. (Fake sympathy.)
• Tug at the heartstrings: to evoke strong feelings of sympathy.
  • The sob-sister's article really tugged at the heartstrings of readers. (Emotionally affecting.)