maudlin
What does "maudlin" mean?
Maudlin describes someone who is excessively or tearfully sentimental, often as a result of being drunk. Picture a person at a late-night party, sobbing over an old heartbreak or a song, their emotions spilling over in a way that feels unearned or embarrassing to those around them. The word implies a lack of emotional restraint and a sense of self-pity. While "sentimental" can sometimes be positive, "maudlin" is almost always used to critique behavior that feels over-the-top, pathetic, or insincere. It is frequently paired with adjectives like "drunk" or "weepy."
"maudlin" in conversation
Late-night conversation
I think we should call it a night, Mark. You’re getting a bit maudlin.
I think we should call it a night, Mark. You’re getting a bit maudlin.
No, I just really love you guys, you know? You're my best friends.
No, I just really love you guys, you know? You're my best friends.
Used to describe someone whose emotions have become overly dramatic due to intoxication.
Discussing a film
That movie was a total tear-jerker, wasn't it?
That movie was a total tear-jerker, wasn't it?
Honestly? I found the ending too maudlin. It was just trying way too hard to make me cry.
Honestly? I found the ending too maudlin. It was just trying way too hard to make me cry.
Used to critique media that relies on cheap, forced sentimentality.
"maudlin" in a sentence
The old man became maudlin after a few glasses of wine, reminiscing about his childhood.
The old man became maudlin after a few glasses of wine, reminiscing about his childhood.
She avoided the maudlin displays of affection that characterized her sister's early relationships.
She avoided the maudlin displays of affection that characterized her sister's early relationships.
The poet’s later work was criticized for its maudlin obsession with lost youth and faded glory.
The poet’s later work was criticized for its maudlin obsession with lost youth and faded glory.
