You searched for: “unctuous
unctuous (adjective), more unctuous, most unctuous
1. A reference to something which is greasy or oily: The salad dressing seemed to be very unctuous and too creamy, and was not tasty at all!
2. Relating to an individual who is suave or insincerely fervid: The oily nature of ointments may have led to the application of unctuous to describe things marked by an artificial gloss of sentimentality.

Unctuous people or behavior indicates too much praise, interest, friendliness, etc., in a way that is false or unpleasant.

3. Etymology: from Latin unguere, ungere, "to anoint."
Referring to being insincerely gushing or persuasive.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Relating to an insincere compliment.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.

This entry is located in the following units: -ous, -ious, -eous (page 22) unguent-, unction- (page 1) -uous + (page 2)