Sugarcoated: meaning, definitions and examples
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sugarcoated
[ ˈʃʊɡərˌkoʊtɪd ]
figurative language
The term 'sugarcoated' refers to something that has been made more palatable or acceptable by adding a layer of sweetness, either literally or figuratively. In a literal sense, it describes food items that have been coated with sugar. Figuratively, it can describe information or situations that have been softened or embellished to make them more appealing or less harsh. This usage often applies to communication in contexts where the truth might be uncomfortable. It's common to hear this in discussions about politics or public relations.
Synonyms
embellished, glossed-over, softened, sweetened.
Examples of usage
- The politician's speech was full of sugarcoated promises.
- She delivered the bad news in a sugarcoated manner.
- The report was sugarcoated to make the situation seem better.
- The candy was sugarcoated to enhance its taste.
Translations
Translations of the word "sugarcoated" in other languages:
🇵🇹 coberto de açúcar
🇮🇳 चीनी चढ़ा हुआ
🇩🇪 zuckerüberzogen
🇮🇩 dihiasi gula
🇺🇦 цукровий
🇵🇱 cukrowany
🇯🇵 砂糖でコーティングされた
🇫🇷 sucré
🇪🇸 cubierto de azúcar
🇹🇷 şeker kaplı
🇰🇷 설탕 코팅된
🇸🇦 مغطى بالسكر
🇨🇿 cukrovaný
🇸🇰 cukrovaný
🇨🇳 糖衣的
🇸🇮 sladkorni
🇮🇸 sykurhúðað
🇰🇿 қантпен қапталған
🇬🇪 შაქრის დაფარული
🇦🇿 şəkərli
🇲🇽 cubierto de azúcar
Etymology
The word 'sugarcoated' is formed from two components: 'sugar,' which is derived from the Arabic 'sukkar,' and 'coated,' coming from Old French 'coter' meaning to cover. The term came into usage in the early 19th century, initially in the literal sense of coating food, specifically candies and confections, with sugar to enhance taste and preserve them. Over time, it evolved into a metaphorical expression in English, used to describe the act of making negative information or realities more acceptable through embellishment or euphemism. This evolution reflects society's tendency to prefer pleasant-sounding language over harsh truths, particularly in sensitive matters such as health, politics, and interpersonal communication. The notion of sugarcoating something implies that the core issue remains unchanged, but the exterior has been sweetened to disguise the unpleasantness.