schmaltzy

[ shmahlt-see, shmawlt- ]

adjective

, Informal.

, schmaltz·i·er, schmaltz·i·est.

1. of, relating to, or characterized by schmaltz, or exaggerated sentimentalism.

ˈschmaltzy

/ ʃmɔːltsɪ; ʃmæltsɪ /

adjective

1. excessively sentimental

Word History and Origins

Origin of schmaltzy¹

First recorded in 1930–35; schmaltz + -y ¹

Example Sentences

It's certainly hard to imagine them really catching on in the early 50s, an age dominated by schmaltzy crooners, folk purists and show tunes.

From BBC

Under it all, though, as one schmaltzy cliché follows another, this becomes more the glorification of beauty than the real thing.

From Los Angeles Times

“Clichés about us don’t interest us, and the French are not very schmaltzy.”

From New York Times

He soon joined the program, with its bubbly brand of schmaltzy Champagne music.

From New York Times

The director, often simplified as a schmaltzy optimist, also has a dark side.

From Los Angeles Times