Schmalz (Noun)
Meaning
(Yiddish) excessive sentimentality in art or music.
Classification
Nouns denoting attributes of people and objects.
Examples
- The movie's over-the-top romantic scenes were criticized for their schmalz, making it feel like a cheesy melodrama.
- The singer's ballads were often dismissed as schmalz, with critics accusing her of relying on emotional manipulation rather than genuine artistry.
- The novel's schmalz was so cloying that it overshadowed the author's otherwise thoughtful exploration of complex themes.
- The film's use of sentimental music and tear-jerking plot twists was dismissed as schmalz by many critics, who felt it detracted from the story's impact.
- The artist's latest exhibit was criticized for its schmalz, with many pieces feeling like shallow attempts to tug at the viewer's heartstrings rather than genuine works of art.