Well-read · Borrowed words · Art & music
Schmaltz: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Schmaltz noun. Excessive sentimentality, especially in music or film.
How to say it
SHMAWLTS/ˈʃmɔːlts/
1 syllable.
Schmaltz in a sentence
The final scene drowns in schmaltz, with violins, rain and a reunited dog.
Their Christmas advert has just enough schmaltz to make you cry.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- sentimentality
- mawkishness
- slush
- corniness
Opposite:
- restraint
Where schmaltz comes from
Yiddish for rendered chicken fat, from German Schmalz, dripping.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
Their Christmas advert has just enough _____ to make you cry.
- hygge
- schmaltz
- schadenfreude
Show the answer
schmaltz: Their Christmas advert has just enough schmaltz to make you cry.