unctuous
Meaning
excessively flattering or ingratiating in an insincere way.
having a greasy or soapy feel or appearance.
Structure
Usage
his unctuous praise of the manager was transparently self-serving.
the sauce had an unctuous, velvety texture.
she was put off by the salesman's unctuous tone and constant flattery.
Etymology
the word 'unctuous' traces its origins to the latin noun 'unctum', meaning 'ointment' or 'fat', which itself comes from the verb 'unguere', 'to anoint'. this literal sense of being oily or greasy passed into medieval latin as 'unctuosus'. the term entered english in the 14th century with its physical meaning, describing something rich in oil or fat. by the 18th century, the metaphorical extension developed, applying the slick, smooth quality of oil to describe overly smooth, flattering, and insincere manners, completing the journey from a physical property to a personality trait.
Analysis
unctu is derived from latin 'unctum', meaning 'ointment' or 'fat'. ous is an english adjective-forming suffix from latin '-osus', meaning 'full of' or 'characterized by'.