fulsome
pronunciation
How to pronounce fulsome in British English:
UK [ˈfʊlsəm]
How to pronounce fulsome in American English:
US [ˈfʊlsəm]
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- Adjective:
- unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech
Word Origin
- fulsome (adj.)
- mid-13c., "abundant, plentiful," Middle English compound of ful "full" (see full (adj.)) + -som "to a considerable degree" (see -some (1)). Perhaps a case of ironic understatement. Sense extended to "plump, well-fed" (mid-14c.), then "arousing disgust" (similar to the feeling of having over-eaten), late 14c. Via the sense of "causing nausea" it came to be used of language, "offensive to taste or good manners" (early 15c.); especially "excessively flattering" (1660s). Since the 1960s, however, it commonly has been used in its original, favorable sense, especially in fulsome praise. Related: Fulsomely; fulsomeness.
Example
- 1. And I could go on and on with seemingly fulsome praise .
- 2. I was disgusted by his fulsome flattery .
- 3. One dpj prime minister , naoto kan , offered a fulsome apology on the centenary of the korean annexation .
- 4. Simon and ruth were fulsome in their compliments about the meal we cooked for them .
- 5. I gather some of your advisors were less fulsome in their support .