What is the literal meaning of unctuous?
1 : having, revealing, or marked by a smug, ingratiating, and false earnestness or spirituality. 2a : fatty, oily. b : smooth and greasy in texture or appearance. 3 : plastic fine unctuous clay.
What does Unctiousness mean?
1. Excessively ingratiating or insincerely earnest: was annoyed by the unctuous waiter. 2. a. Containing or composed of oil or fat.
Is unctuous good or bad?
When did “unctuous” start having a positive connotation? Watch any cooking show lately and it’s likely you’ll hear someone describe a dish as “unctuous,” as if that’s a good thing. Many celebrity chefs seem to now use the word to suggest a dish is rich, smooth, or maybe even creamy.”