unctuous

American  

[uhngk-choo-uhs] / ˈʌŋk tʃu əs /

adjective

1. characterized by excessive piousness or moralistic fervor, especially in an affected manner; excessively smooth, suave, or smug.

2. of the nature of or characteristic of an unguent or ointment; oily; greasy.

3. having an oily or soapy feel, as certain minerals.

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unctuous British  

/ ˌʌŋktjʊˈɒsɪtɪ, ˈʌŋktjʊəs /

adjective

1. slippery or greasy

2. affecting an oily charm

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• unctuosity
  noun
• unctuously
  adverb
• unctuousness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of unctuous

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Medieval Latin ūnctuōsus, equivalent to Latin ūnctu(s) “act of anointing” ( ung(uere) “to smear, anoint” + -tus suffix of verb action) + -ōsus -ous

Explanation

You might know the idea of the adjective unctuous by other words like "oily," "smarmy," or overly "flattering." When a person is unctuous, you can't trust their kindness, because they usually want something in return. Interestingly, unctuous is derived from the Latin unctus which means "anointed with oil," which is where the oily connotation comes from. Unctuous and oily are synonyms that both suggest that someone is trying to butter you up; they're being nice, because they're hoping you'll give them what they want. Talk-show hosts, used-car salesmen, people who want your job: all of these are people we think of (rightly or wrongly) as being unctuous. Being an unctuous jerk, he gave me a gift, hoping I'd give him a record deal.

Example Sentences

Unctuous platitudes about its being a time of forgiveness and new beginnings regularly stall the movie in its tracks.

From New York Times • Dec. 8, 2011

Unctuous CNN personality Piers Morgan was the editor of British tabloid the Daily Mirror until he was forced to resign after printing hoax images of British soldiers abusing detainees.

From Salon • Jul. 26, 2011

Unctuous, large of frame, full of vigor at 55, he is much in demand as a speaker at gatherings of such evangelical bodies as Christian Endeavor.

From Time Magazine Archive

As of Salt in Water, Metals in several Menstruums, Unctuous Gums in Oyls, the mixing of Wine and Water, &c.

From Micrographia Some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies Made by Magnifying Glasses with Observations and Inquiries Thereupon by Hooke, Robert

Unctuous implies excessive smoothness, as though one's manner were oiled.

From The Century Vocabulary Builder by Bachelor, Joseph M. (Joseph Morris)