hearts and flowers

noun

, (used with a singular or plural verb)

1. maudlin sentimentality:

   The play is a period piece, full of innocence abused and hearts and flowers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hearts and flowers¹

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Example Sentences

Is it John Cusack, holding that boom box aloft in “Say Anything” or curating mixtapes in “High Fidelity”? Do you picture Ryan Gosling squeezing the hearts and flowers out of Rachel McAdams’ face in “The Notebook,” or any of the problematic dudes who strung along Molly Ringwald in your pick of John Hughes movies?

From Salon

“Tomorrow, Valentine’s Day. That’s great. I’m happy for you if you’re in love. What happens if this day rolls around and everybody’s parading their hearts and flowers and love in front of you, and you don’t have love in your life?”

From Los Angeles Times

Woo cuts everything from sandwiches and cheese to fruits and vegetables into fun shapes like stars, hearts, and flowers.

From Salon

But they greeted neighbors and watched as everyone knelt on the asphalt and drew hearts and flowers and wrote messages such as “Protect Our Kids” and “Safe Streets.”

From Washington Post

Top sellers: The Capitol dome/I'm sorry I broke in, milled about and took pictures; Hearts and flowers/Feel Your Feelings; and Uncle Sam/When you point a finger, three point back at you.

From Salon

Related Words

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