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Schmaltzy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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schmaltzy

[หˆสƒmษ”หltsi ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

music

excessively sentimental or cheesy, often in a way that is not sincere

Synonyms

cheesy, corny, mawkish, sentimental.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
schmaltzy

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
sentimental

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
cheesy

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
mawkish

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
corny

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

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

Examples of usage

  • The movie's schmaltzy soundtrack made the emotional scenes feel forced.
  • Her schmaltzy love songs are popular among teenagers.
  • Don't be so schmaltzy in your speech, be more authentic.
  • The schmaltzy decorations at the party were a bit over the top.
  • The novel's ending was criticized for being too schmaltzy.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The word has been featured in discussions about movies and songs that are seen as overly romantic or melodramatic.
  • A popular example is the music of certain artists from the 1970s who were known for their schmaltzy love songs, which some fans adore and others mock.
  • Television shows often parody 'schmaltzy' moments to highlight their exaggerated emotional appeal, making it a recognizable trope.

Media Representations

  • In film, characters might use 'schmaltzy' dialogue to give a humorous contrast to serious scenes, emphasizing the emotional peaks.
  • Hallmark movies are frequently labeled as 'schmaltzy' due to their predictable plots and heartwarming endings focused on love.

Psychology

  • Schmaltzy expressions can evoke nostalgia, reminding people of simpler, happier times, even if considered overly sentimental.
  • The phenomenon can invoke strong reactions, as some people embrace the emotions while others find them cringeworthy, revealing personal taste differences.

Literature

  • Many romantic novels, especially in the genre of 'chick lit,' can be considered 'schmaltzy' due to their exaggerated portrayals of love and relationships.
  • Authors like Nicholas Sparks are often noted for their 'schmaltzy' writing style that focuses heavily on emotional experiences between characters.

Origin of 'schmaltzy'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'schmaltz' comes from Yiddish, meaning rendered chicken fat, which was associated with certain Jewish cooking traditions.
  • Originally, 'schmaltz' also described a quality in music and art that evokes strong, exaggerated feelings.
  • The English version emerged in the 20th century, taking on a connotation of excessive emotional sentimentality.

The word 'schmaltzy' originated from Yiddish, derived from the German word 'schmalz', meaning 'rendered animal fat'. In Jewish culture, 'schmaltz' is used to describe something overly sentimental or melodramatic. Over time, 'schmaltzy' has been adopted into English to convey a similar meaning of being excessively emotional or cheesy, especially in music, movies, or literature.

See also: schmaltz.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,328, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.