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)
- 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.
Usage notes
- Do not confuse histrionics with hysterics.
Synonyms
- (exaggerated behaviour): drama, melodrama, melodramatics
Hyponyms
Derived terms
Translations
exaggerated, overemotional behaviour
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