Sentimental Expressions

noun a mark stamped on articles of gold, silver, or platinum in Britain, certifying their standard of purity

• The hallmark of a well-written essay is a clear thesis statement.
• Her attention to detail is the hallmark of her work.
• That new track is the hallmark of a banger.
• His humility is the hallmark of true greatness.

adjective excessively sentimental or cheesy

• The schmaltzy music playing in the background set a romantic tone for the evening.
• I can't stand those schmaltzy love songs they always play on the radio.
• The movie was so schmaltzy, it made me cringe.
• Her speech was filled with schmaltzy promises that no one believed.

adjective showing a tendency to weep; tearful or lachrymose

• The weepy movie left many audience members in tears.
• I always get a bit weepy watching sad commercials.
• She's always a bit weepy after a few drinks.
• The weepy sky threatened rain all day.

noun a person or thing that evokes strong emotions, especially sadness or sympathy

• The movie was a real heart-tugger, eliciting emotions from even the most stoic of viewers.
• That book is a total heart-tugger, I couldn't put it down until I finished it.
• The ending of that show was a major heart-tugger, I was crying for hours.
• The song lyrics were a heart-tugger, reminding me of a lost love from long ago.