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Definition of schmaltzy

schmaltzy

/ˈʃmɑːltsi/
schmaltz · y
Adverb:schmaltzily
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schmaltzy Lexical Profile

schmaltzy Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Excessively sentimental, emotional, or maudlin, especially in art, music, or literature.

Example

"Critics dismissed the holiday movie as a predictable and schmaltzy romance, though audiences still enjoyed it."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for schmaltzy
Antonyms
View all antonyms for schmaltzy

• Rhymes for schmaltzy

• Nearby Words

schmadribach
schmadribach falls
schmaltz
schmaltzy
schmalzy
schmear
schmidt

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the 1930s by adding the English suffix '-y' to 'schmaltz', a borrowing from Yiddish 'shmalts' and German 'Schmalz' meaning 'rendered animal fat' (especially chicken fat), used figuratively to describe overly rich, greasy sentimentality in music or drama.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Schmaltzy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/schmaltzy
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