“Schmaltz” is one of those interesting words that sounds funny, feels expressive, and shows up in everything from cooking to movies to everyday conversations. But what does it actually mean?
Whether you heard it in a recipe, a TikTok comment, or an old movie, this guide breaks down the full meaning of ‘schmaltz’, where it came from, and how people use it now.
What Does Schmaltz Mean?
The word schmaltz has two popular meanings, depending on the context:
1. Schmaltz (Food Meaning)
In cooking, schmaltz refers to rendered chicken fat or goose fat used in traditional Jewish and Eastern European dishes.
It adds rich flavor and is commonly used in:
- Matzo ball soup
- Potato dishes
- Fried onions
- Traditional Jewish meals
2. Schmaltz (Slang Meaning)
As slang, schmaltz means:
➡ Excessive sentimentality
➡ Something overly emotional, cheesy, or dramatic
People use it to describe things like:
- Overly romantic movies
- Corny songs
- Dramatic speeches
- Emotional social media posts
Example:
“That movie was good, but the ending was pure schmaltz.”
Where Does the Word ‘Schmaltz’ Come From?
The word comes from Yiddish, derived from the German word Schmalz, meaning “fat” or “grease.”
Over time, the cooking meaning evolved into a slang term for something “greasy,” soft, or overly sentimental.
Examples of Schmaltz in a Sentence
Here are easy examples for both meanings:
Cooking Meaning
- “Grandma always cooks with schmaltz because it adds flavor.”
- “You can replace oil with schmaltz in some recipes.”
Slang Meaning
- “The commercial was full of schmaltz.”
- “I’m not into schmaltzy love songs.”
- “His speech got a little schmaltzy at the end.”
Is Schmaltz a Compliment or an Insult?
Usually, it’s not a compliment—it’s used to say something is too emotional or cheesy.
However, some people use it affectionately, especially when describing old music, nostalgic movies, or traditions.
Synonyms for Schmaltz
If you want similar words, here are some good ones:
- Corny
- Cheesy
- Sappy
- Overly sentimental
- Mushy
- Melodramatic
Schmaltz vs. Schmalzy — What’s the Difference?
Schmaltz = the noun
Schmalzy = the adjective
Examples:
- “This song is schmaltz.”
- “This song is too schmalzy for me.”
Why Do People Still Use the Word Today?
Even though it’s older slang, “schmaltz” is still used because:
- It’s expressive
- It’s fun to say
- It perfectly describes overly emotional behavior
- It has cultural and nostalgic value
You’ll hear it in:
- Reviews
- Movies
- TikTok commentary
- Literary writing
- Cooking discussions
FAQs About Schmaltz
What does schmaltz mean in slang?
It means something that is overly sentimental, cheesy, or emotional.
Is schmaltz a Yiddish word?
Yes, it comes from Yiddish and German.
Can schmaltz be used in cooking today?
Absolutely — many traditional recipes still use chicken or goose schmaltz.
What does schmalzy mean?
It’s the adjective form, meaning cheesy, corny, or overly emotional.
Is schmaltz an insult?
Not always, but it often implies something is too sentimental or cheesy.
Final Thoughts
“Schmaltz” is a unique word with two lives: one in the kitchen and one in everyday slang.
Whether you’re talking about flavorful chicken fat or an overly emotional movie scene, the word brings color, humor, and personality to language. It’s expressive, old-school, and still widely used because it captures a feeling few other words can.
