Schmaltzy: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe something overly sentimental and emotional, often to a point that it seems excessive or insincere.

• The movie was so schmaltzy that it made everyone cringe rather than cry

Used to describe an emotional attachment to something that might appear overly nostalgic or tender; not necessarily negative.

• She kept the old letters for sentimental reasons

Commonly refers to something that is overly sentimental or romantic in a way that seems cheap or lacking in seriousness.

• That romantic comedy was a bit too cheesy for my taste

This word has a more negative connotation and describes something excessively sentimental to the point of being sickening.

• Her mawkish poem made everyone feel uncomfortable because it was too sentimental

Often in a playful or humorous way, 'corny' describes something clichéd, overly sentimental, or trite.

• His jokes were so corny, but they still made us laugh