schmaltz
UK[ʃmælts]US[ʃmɑːlts]
n
excessive sentimentality, especially in music, writing, or drama.
n
melted chicken fat used in jewish cooking.
Etymology
the word 'schmaltz' entered english from yiddish in the early 20th century, where it means 'rendered fat', particularly from poultry. the yiddish term itself derives from middle high german 'smalz', meaning 'animal fat' or 'lard', which has a proto-germanic origin. the figurative sense of 'excessive sentimentality' developed in american english, likely influenced by the association of rich, heavy fat with something overly sweet or cloying in emotional expression, particularly in the context of popular music and entertainment.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword from yiddish. it is not productively segmented using english morphemes.
Examples
the film's ending was pure schmaltz, designed to make every viewer cry.
my grandmother always cooked the potatoes in schmaltz for extra flavor.
critics dismissed the song as schmaltz, but it became a popular hit.