Pronunciation: [sˈakəɹˌɪn] (IPA) 
The word saccharine is spelled with a double "c" and one "r" in the middle. This is because the word originates from the Greek word "sakkharon," which is spelled with two kappa's (kk) and one rho (r) in the middle. The word is pronounced suh-k uh -reen with the primary stress on the second syllable. Saccharine refers to a sweet, syrupy taste or manner that is often considered cloying or insincere.
The term "saccharine" is an adjective with two main definitions. Firstly, it refers to something that is excessively and sickeningly sweet, similar to the taste of sugar or the flavor of certain sweeteners. This definition often conveys a negative connotation, as it implies an artificial and cloying sweetness that is perceived as unpleasant or insincere. For example, describing a person's demeanor as saccharine may imply that their kindness or friendliness is disingenuous or excessive.
Secondly, "saccharine" can also be used to describe an excessively sentimental or overly emotional quality in things such as literature, music, or artwork. In this context, it suggests an excessive display of sentimentality or emotions that may come across as cheap or insincere. For instance, a story or film involving contrived romantic clichés and exaggerated emotions might be criticized as saccharine.
The term "saccharine" originates from the Latin word "saccharum," meaning sugar. Its figurative use to describe exaggerated sweetness or sentimentality emerged in the late 19th century. The term's negative connotation stems from the perception that excessive sweetness or emotionality lacks authenticity or depth.
In summary, "saccharine" describes something that is extremely sweet in a way that can be excessive, insincere, or lacking depth. It can refer to a taste or flavor that is overly sugary, as well as an exaggerated display of sentimentality in various forms of art or communication.
Relating to sugar, sweet.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• Pert. to sugar; having the qualities of sugar; sweet.
• The uncrystallised sugar of malt-wrort.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "saccharine" comes from the Latin word "saccharum", which means "sugar". It was first used in English in the late 17th century to describe something that resembles or tastes like sugar. The suffix "-ine" in saccharine signifies "like" or "related to". So, "saccharine" literally means "sugar-like" or "resembling sugar". The term is commonly used to describe something overly sweet or sentimental in a negative sense.
