schmaltz

See also: Schmaltz

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Yiddish שמאַלץ (shmalts) or German Schmalz. Doublet of smalt, smalto, and enamel.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ʃmɒlts/, /ʃmɔːlts/

• Audio (Southern England):

  (file)

• (US) IPA^(key): /ʃmɔlts/, /ʃmɑlts/
  • (cot–caught merger) IPA^(key): /ʃmɑlts/
• Rhymes: -ɒlts, -ɔːlts

Noun

schmaltz (uncountable)

1. (uncountable) Liquid chicken fat.
2. (uncountable) Excessively sentimental art or music.

Derived terms

• schmaltzy