How Do You Spell SHMALTZ?

Pronunciation: [ˌɛsˈe͡ɪt͡ʃmˈalts] (IPA)

Shmaltz, pronounced /ʃmɑːlts/, is a Yiddish loanword that is often used to describe chicken fat or other types of rendered animal fats used in traditional Jewish cooking. The spelling of "shmaltz" may initially appear unusual, but it is actually a phonetic transcription of the Yiddish pronunciation of the word. The "sh" sound represents the Yiddish letter ש, which is pronounced like the English "sh" sound. The "m" and "l" sounds are both pronounced distinctly in Yiddish, hence the use of both letters in the spelling of the word.

SHMALTZ Meaning and Definition

1. Shmaltz is a Yiddish term that refers to an excessively sentimental, overly emotional, or excessively corny style of expression or behavior. It can be used to describe various forms of art, literature, music, or dialogue that are perceived as excessively saccharine, melodramatic, or mawkish. Shmaltz is often characterized by a heavy use of sentimental or flowery language, excessive use of clichés, and an exaggerated display of emotions.

   In the context of food, shmaltz refers to rendered chicken or goose fat that is used in Jewish cooking. It is traditionally produced by slowly cooking down pieces of poultry fat until it becomes a clear, golden liquid. Shmaltz is highly esteemed in Jewish cuisine for its unique flavor and richness. It can be used as a cooking fat or as a spread on bread, and is commonly used in the preparation of various traditional dishes such as matzo balls, latkes, or chopped liver.

   Outside of its culinary context, shmaltz has gained popularity in English to describe overly sentimental or clichéd elements in various forms of art, entertainment, or even personal interactions. It is often used in a somewhat derogatory manner to criticize or mock sentimental or melodramatic expressions or behaviors that are deemed inauthentic, exaggerated, or lacking in genuine emotion.

Common Misspellings for SHMALTZ

• hmaltz

Etymology of SHMALTZ

The word "shmaltz" has its etymology in Yiddish, which is a language historically spoken by Ashkenazi Jews. In Yiddish, the word is spelled "שמאַלץ" (shmalts) and it means "rendered poultry fat". It originated from the Middle High German word "smalz", which also means "rendered fat". The etymology of the Yiddish word can be traced back to the Old High German word "smalz", which shares the same meaning. Over time, "shmaltz" has been incorporated into English to refer to excessive sentimentality or melodrama, often used to describe music, literature, or other forms of art.

Similar spelling word for SHMALTZ

• Shanholtz.