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sappy

C2
adjective

Pronunciation

UK

  • /sˈæpi/

US

  • /sˈæpi/

Description

If a movie makes you cry way too easily, it might be described as sappy. It means overly emotional or sentimental, often in a way that feels a bit forced or just too sweet. Think of something with so much feeling poured into it that it starts to feel like too much.

Sappy things are not necessarily bad; they are just a little over the top with the feelings. A love song can be sappy, a greeting card can be sappy, and even a person can be described that way if they get emotional very easily. It is often used to playfully tease someone who tears up quickly or speaks in a very sweet, sentimental way.

Examples

  1. 1

    Movie tone

    The last scene was a bit sappy, but I still enjoyed the movie.

  2. 2

    Birthday card

    She wrote him a sappy birthday card full of hearts and sweet little jokes.

  3. 3

    Personal praise

    I know this will sound sappy, but I'm really proud of you.

    • Phrase

      sound sappy

      seem too emotional or sentimental

  4. 4

    Emotional reaction

    He gets sappy whenever an old love song comes on.

    • Phrase

      get sappy

      become more emotional or sentimental than usual

  5. 5

    Wedding tone

    We wanted the wedding to feel warm, not overly sappy.

Forms and spellings

3 forms open this card.

Main spelling

  • sappyadjective

Forms

  • sappiercomparativeadjective
  • sappiestsuperlativeadjective