larmoyant

maudlin, self-pitying

adjective lar-moa-YANT Rare

Origin: from French larmoyant (weeping)

Also means

tearfully sentimental

Usage Note

larmoyant is used critically for excessive emotional display that others find tiresome. Sein larmoyanter Ton nervte die Zuhörer — his maudlin tone irritated the listeners. Common in cultural criticism and everyday speech.

Examples

"Der larmoyante Tonfall des Briefes stieß sie ab."

Natural Translation

The maudlin tone of the letter put her off.

Literal Translation

The maudlin tone of the letter pushed her away.

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