Usage Note
rührselig is mildly pejorative, used for stories, films, or people that are excessively tearful or sentimental. The base rühren (to stir or move) gives the image of emotional stirring taken too far.
Examples
"Das Weihnachtslied war so rührselig, dass selbst die härtesten Zuhörer ein Lächeln zeigten."
Natural Translation
The Christmas carol was so mawkish that even the most hard-hearted listeners smiled.
Literal Translation
The Christmas-carol was so mawkish, that even the hardest listeners a smile showed.
Related Words
- Abgestumpftheit emotional numbness, blunted sensitivity
- Abneigung aversion, dislike, antipathy
- Anmut grace, gracefulness, charm
- Aufgewühltheit emotional turmoil, being churned up
- Bangigkeit anxiety, apprehension, fearful unease
- Bedrängnis distress, straits, predicament
- Bedrömmeltheit stunned, dazed emotional numbness
- Bedrücktheit oppressive heaviness of spirit, dejected low mood
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