histrionics

See also: histriònics

English

WOTD – 11 October 2010

Etymology

From histrionic +‎ -ics, see histrionic.

Pronunciation

  • (UK) IPA(key): /hɪstɹiˈɒnɪks/
  • (US) enPR: hĭs-trē-änʹĭks, IPA(key): /hɪstɹiˈɑnɪks/
  • Audio (Northern California):(file)
  • Audio (General Australian):(file)
  • Rhymes: -ɒnɪks

Noun

histrionics pl (plural only)

  1. Exaggerated, overemotional behaviour, especially when calculated to elicit a response; melodramatics.
    I’m tired of Mary’s histrionics.
    • 1999 August 26, Buddy Seigal, “Even Old Englishmen Still Get Wood”, in OC Weekly, retrieved 16 June 2009:
      Dexter's vocals are competent enough: his timbre is thin and eternally teenaged, but he can go apeshit on the hiccupy histrionics like no one's business.

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