SICKLY SWEET Meaning and
Definition
-
"Sickly sweet" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something, usually a flavor or scent, that is overly or excessively sweet to the point that it becomes cloying or nauseating. The term conveys the idea that the sweetness is so intense that it goes beyond being enjoyable and becomes almost sickening.
The phrase "sickly sweet" combines the adjective "sickly," which typically refers to something unhealthy or unwholesome, with the adjective "sweet." In this context, it suggests a form of sweetness that is so strong and overpowering that it evokes a feeling of discomfort or uneasiness. It may be used to describe artificial sweeteners, strongly flavored candies, or heavily sugared desserts that cause a sensation of overwhelm or an unpleasant aftertaste.
The negative connotation of "sickly sweet" suggests that the excessive sweetness may lack balance or subtlety, overshadowing other flavors or qualities that would provide a more pleasant sensory experience. The term is often used as a metaphor and can be extended to describe other experiences beyond taste, such as an excessively sentimental or saccharine story, song, or artwork.
Overall, "sickly sweet" characterizes a sensory perception that goes beyond the desirable level of sweetness, often resulting in a feeling of discomfort, unease, or distaste.
Etymology of SICKLY SWEET
The term "sickly sweet" is a compound phrase that combines the adjective "sickly" and the adjective "sweet".
The word "sickly" originated from Old English "sēoclic" (sēoc: sick + lic: having the quality of), meaning "having the quality of being sick or unhealthy". It was derived from the Proto-Germanic word "seukaz" (to be sick). Over time, the meaning expanded to include the sense of something that is excessively or unpleasantly sweet, overpowering, or cloying.
The word "sweet" can be traced back to Old English "swēte" which also has cognates in other Germanic languages. It refers to the taste sensation produced by sugar or substances that resemble sugar and are not bitter, sour, or salty.
