Self-pityingly or tearfully sentimental, often in an exaggerated or foolish way. It describes excessive emotional display, especially when influenced by alcohol or when wallowing in self-pity.
From Mary Magdalene, who was often depicted in medieval art as weeping. The name 'Magdalene' became 'maudlin' in Middle English. Originally neutral, it evolved to suggest excessive, foolish sentimentality rather than genuine religious devotion.
Remember Mary Magdalene crying - but imagine if she never stopped crying and got overly dramatic about it! Maudlin often describes the weepy, overly sentimental person at a party who's had too much to drink and won't stop talking about their feelings. It's emotion that's gone too far into silly territory.
Maudlin sentiment (from St. Magdalen, weeping repentantly) tied historical emotion to female religiosity and contrition. Used to dismiss women's emotional expression as weak or self-pitying rather than legitimate grief.
Use "maudlin" precisely for indulgent, self-pitying emotion (any gender). Avoid using it as shorthand to dismiss women's sadness or grief as inherently excessive.
["self-pitying","overwrought","sentimental"]
Women's full emotional range—grief, anger, joy—deserves space. "Maudlin" should critique *indulgence*, not gender.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.