Mushy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mushy

[หˆmสŒสƒi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

emotional

Excessively sentimental or romantic; often used to describe displays of affection or emotions that are perceived as overly sentimental or cheesy.

Synonyms

cheesy, sappy, sentimental.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mushy

Often used to describe something overly emotional or romantic in a way that can seem excessive or insincere. Also applied to describe physical texture, like soft and squishy food.

  • The movie was so mushy that it made me cringe.
  • The bananas became mushy after sitting on the counter for too long.
sentimental

Relates to feelings of tenderness, sadness, or nostalgia. Can be more neutral or positive compared to other words in this group, depending on the context.

  • She kept the old letters for sentimental reasons.
  • He gets very sentimental when talking about his childhood.
cheesy

Typically refers to something that is overly sentimental, clichรฉd, or lacking in originality. Often used in a negative or humorous sense.

  • The romantic lines in that movie were just so cheesy.
  • He gave a cheesy smile for the camera.
sappy

Describes something that is overly sentimental in an excessive or foolish way. Usually carries a negative connotation.

  • I can't stand those sappy love songs.
  • Her sappy speech made everyone roll their eyes.

Examples of usage

  • He wrote her a mushy love letter.
  • I find romantic movies too mushy for my taste.
Context #2 | Adjective

food

Soft and wet in a way that is not pleasant or appetizing; often used to describe overcooked or poorly prepared food.

Synonyms

overcooked, soft, soggy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mushy

Can also refer to sentimental or overly emotional situations or expressions.

  • The movie was too mushy for my taste
  • She wrote a mushy love letter
soft

Can describe food that has a tender or easy-to-bite texture. It can be either positive or neutral depending on the food item.

  • The bread is wonderfully soft and fresh
  • The cheese melted to a soft, creamy consistency
soggy

Used to describe food that is unpleasantly wet and soft, often because of too much liquid.

  • The cereal turned soggy in the milk
  • The sandwiches became soggy in the cooler
overcooked

Refers specifically to food that has been cooked for too long, often resulting in a loss of desired texture and flavor.

  • The steak was overcooked and dry
  • The vegetables were overcooked and lost their crunch

Examples of usage

  • The pasta was mushy and overcooked.
  • I prefer my vegetables to be cooked just right, not mushy.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Culinary

  • Certain fruits like bananas and overripe peaches are often described as mushy because they lose their firmness.
  • In cooking, a mushy texture can be intentional, such as in mashed potatoes or certain sauces.
  • Cereal and milk left to sit too long can also become mushy, altering the eating experience.

Psychology

  • Mushy feelings can indicate a strong emotional response, often linked to nostalgia or affection.
  • Being described as mushy can sometimes imply a lack of toughness or emotional resilience.
  • In relationships, a mushy gesture, like a love note, may evoke feelings of warmth and connection.

Pop Culture

  • In romantic movies, characters often express mushy sentiments that may be seen as overly sentimental by others.
  • The term 'mushy' is frequently used in social media to describe overly sweet posts or expressions of love.
  • Mushy love songs often emphasize deep feelings and emotional vulnerability, appealing to a wide audience.

Literature

  • In poetry, mushy imagery might evoke softness and tenderness, often expressing deep emotions.
  • Critics may refer to overly sentimental writing as 'mushy', indicating it lacks depth or originality.
  • Childrenโ€™s stories often use mushy characters to teach lessons about love, friendship, and emotions.

Origin of 'mushy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mushy' comes from the earlier word 'mush', which referred to a soft, pulpy mixture.
  • The first known use of 'mushy' dates back to the mid-19th century, originally describing very wet food.
  • Its usage expanded to describe feelings or emotions that are overly sentimental.

The word 'mushy' originated from the Middle English word 'musshe', which meant soft or pulpy. Over time, it evolved to describe things that are soft, wet, or overly sentimental. The term is commonly used in both emotional and culinary contexts to convey a sense of excessive softness or sentimentality.


See also: mushroom.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,419, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.