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schmaltz
4 dictionary results for: schmaltz
Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1) - Cite This Source - Share This
schmaltz       [shmahlts, shmawlts] Pronunciation Key
–noun
1.Informal. exaggerated sentimentalism, as in music or soap operas.
2.fat or grease, esp. of a chicken.
Also, schmalz.


[Origin: 1930–35; < Yiddish shmalts or G Schmaltz; c. smelt1]
American Heritage Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
schmaltz also schmalz       (shmälts)  Pronunciation Key 
n.  
  1. Informal
    1. Excessively sentimental art or music.
    2. Maudlin sentimentality.
  2. Liquid fat, especially chicken fat.


[Yiddish shmalts, animal fat, sentimentality, from Middle High German smalz, animal fat, from Old High German; see mel-1 in Indo-European roots.]

Online Etymology Dictionary - Cite This Source - Share This
schmaltz 
"banal or excessive sentimentalism," 1935, from Yiddish shmalts, lit. "melted fat," from M.H.G. smalz, from O.H.G., related to smelzan "to melt." Modern Ger. Schmaltz "fat, grease" has the same figurative meaning. First mentioned in Eng. as "a derogatory term used to describe straight jazz" ["Vanity Fair," Nov. 1935].

WordNet - Cite This Source - Share This
schmaltz

noun
(Yiddish) excessive sentimentality in art or music 

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