Having a greasy, oily, or soapy texture; excessively smooth, suave, or smug in manner.
From Latin 'unctuosus' (oily/greasy), from 'unctum' (ointment), from 'unguere' (to anoint). The same root as 'unction' and 'unguent.' Both oily food and oily people are unctuous.
A word for BOTH greasy food AND greasy personalities! Rich, silky butter is unctuous (good!). A slimy used-car salesman is unctuous (bad!). The same Latin root for 'oily' describes both! Context is everything! 🧈ðŸ˜
Often applied derogatorily to feminine affectation, emotional expressiveness, or 'oily' courtesy coded as manipulative when displayed by women. Male equivalent behaviors rarely receive same gendered condemnation.
Use for behavior (slimy, insincerely flattering) without gendering; avoid implying that emotional warmth or expressiveness in women = manipulation.
["ingratiating","oily","slick","insincerely flattering"]
Linguistic asymmetry around 'unctuous' reflects double standards: women's relational labor and expressiveness pathologized while male equivalents go unmarked or are valued as charisma.
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