adj
maudlin
MAWD-lihn
adj
1
Excessively and foolishly sentimental or emotional, especially in a tearful way, often from drink.
"After a few drinks he always gets maudlin about his school days."
"The film's ending was maudlin rather than genuinely moving."
How to Use Maudlin
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOverly and soppily emotional, often in a way that feels excessive or a bit pathetic.
Common mistake
Maudlin usually carries a slightly negative, mocking tone — it's not neutral like "sentimental" or "sad."
Common pairings
get maudlin
maudlin nostalgia
a maudlin song
Word Forms
more maudlin comparative, maudlins plural, most maudlin superlative
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After a few drinks he always gets _____ about his school days.
Etymology
From "Magdalene" — Mary Magdalene was traditionally shown in art weeping, and her name (via French Madelaine) came to describe anyone tearfully sentimental.