SCHMALTZ Meaning and
Definition
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Schmaltz is a noun that refers to sentimental or overly emotional content, especially in music, films, or literature. It is often described as excessively exaggerated or maudlin sentimentalism, lacking in subtlety or authenticity. The term is derived from Yiddish and is commonly used in English to describe a type of excessive sentimentality that can be perceived as cliché or manipulative.
In music and films, schmaltz often refers to melodies or scenes that are melodramatic and rely heavily on sentimental themes to elicit emotional responses from the audience. It can be characterized by syrupy romantic music, excessively dramatic love stories, or overly sentimental dialogue. In literature, schmaltz may refer to writing style or plotlines that are overly saccharine or emotionally manipulative.
While schmaltz is often used in a critical or derogatory manner to describe works that are deemed as overly sentimental or lacking in depth, it can also be appreciated as a deliberate artistic choice. Some genres, such as musical theater or romantic novels, embrace schmaltz as a part of their aesthetic, intentionally creating exaggerated emotional experiences for their audience.
Overall, schmaltz describes an artistic approach that amplifies emotionality beyond what is considered sincere or authentic, often resulting in sentimentality that can be seen as excessive or lacking subtlety.
Top Common Misspellings for SCHMALTZ *
* 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.
Other Common Misspellings for SCHMALTZ
Etymology of SCHMALTZ
The word "schmaltz" has its origins in Yiddish, which is a language traditionally spoken by Ashkenazi Jews. In Yiddish, the term is written as שמאַלץ (shmalts), and it is derived from the German word "Schmalz". "Schmalz" itself can be traced back to the Middle High German "smalz" or Old High German "smalz", which means "rendered fat" or "lard".
In Yiddish, "schmaltz" specifically refers to rendered chicken fat, which has long been used in cooking and is considered a staple ingredient in Ashkenazi Jewish cuisine. Over time, the term "schmaltz" has also acquired metaphorical connotations, being used to describe over-sentimental or excessively emotional artistic or literary works.
Similar spelling words for SCHMALTZ
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