schmaltzy

American  

[shmahlt-see, shmawlt-] / ˈʃmɑlt si, ˈʃmɔlt- /

Sometimes shmaltzy also schmalzy

adjective

Informal.

schmaltzier, schmaltziest

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

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ˈschmaltzy British  

/ ʃmɔːltsɪ, ʃmæltsɪ /

adjective

1. excessively sentimental

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Etymology

Origin of schmaltzy

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

Example Sentences

The day's gone downhill, but thankfully here's a new entry in the crowded field of formulaic, schmaltzy, badly acted - and highly entertaining - festive fodder.

From BBC

And look, maybe I’m schmaltzy, but I did sort of love the last line she tacked on in her epilogue: “The woman realized, she was not alone — she was on her own.”

From Los Angeles Times

Music website Pitchfork - known for its sometimes-scathing takes - described the band as "schmaltzy and dull".

From BBC

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