SCHMALTZ

What Does "Schmaltz" Mean?

The Quick Answer

Schmaltz means excessive sentimentality or melodrama.

More Details

Schmaltz is a slang word used a to refer to excessive sentimentality or melodrama, often in an over-the-top or cheesy way. Originating from the Yiddish word for rendered chicken fat, it humorously equates emotional overindulgence to something overly rich or cloying. It is commonly used to describe overly sappy movies, music, or expressions of emotion that lack subtlety. For example:

The bromance between Trump and the First Buddy is full-on schmaltz.
Their new song is a typical example of overproduced schmaltz.
The list includes some classics, but also some typical seasonal schmaltz.

Image for Schmaltz

Schmaltz is often used to describe overly sappy movies, music, or expressions of emotion.

Summary of Key Points

Schmaltz
Definition:	Excessive Sentimentality or Melodrama
Type:	Slang Word
Guessability:	2: Quite easy to guess
Typical Users:	Adults and Teenagers

An Academic Look at Schmaltz

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Schmaltz is an official word in Yiddish that refers specifically to rendered animal fat, commonly chicken or goose fat, used in traditional Ashkenazi Jewish cooking. However, in both Yiddish and English it is used as a slang word, meaning "excessive sentimentality or melodrama." Slang is informal language that consists of words, phrases, and uses of language that are often restricted to a specific context or a particular group of users. It is not typically used in formal or professional settings.