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Even though full is usually a positive word, fulsome can have pejorative connotations in phrases like "fulsome praise," where it is often taken to mean “effusive, excessive, or insincere praise.”
Nov 3, 2014 · But M-W cautions that the “chief danger for the user of fulsome is ambiguity,” and unless “the context is made very clear, the reader or hearer cannot be sure whether such an expression as ‘fulsome praise’ is meant” in the sense of “abundant” or “excessive.”
Mar 6, 2013 · "Fulsome praise" usually refers to compliments that are nauseating in their excess, while "fulsome prose" denotes overwritten verbiage.
Dec 12, 2019 · From 1600 to 1900, if you heard “fulsome praise” or a “fulsome apology,” it was hyperbolic and probably insincere.
- Melissa Mohr
Two of the traditional senses of fulsome are (1) offensively, excessively flattering, and (2) excessive in a distasteful way. In both these senses, the adjective is usually negative. A fulsome piece of music, for instance, might be one that is overloud and too busy-sounding.
May 15, 2017 · But fulsome is now most often used of remarks that involve excessive praise or ingratiating flattery, as in Their fulsome compliments were viewed as an awkward attempt at winning approval. This narrower application of the word has become its sole meaning for many educated speakers, to the point where a large majority of the Usage Panel ...
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May 22, 2016 · In modern usage, “fulsome” has two inconsistent meanings. To some people it means “offensive, overdone,” so “fulsome praise” to them would be disgustingly exaggerated praise. To other people it means “abundant,” and for them “fulsome praise” is glowingly warm praise.
