hammy
Like scenery chewers
Hammy describes acting that is exaggerated, theatrical, or overly dramatic—the style of a ham actor who overplays every emotion.
The word applies beyond performance: a hammy grin is too broad, a hammy gesture too emphatic.
His hammy delivery made the serious scene unintentionally funny.
Made larger than reality
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
- melodramaticExaggeratedly emotional in expression
- campyEntertainingly artificial and overblown
- over-the-topExcessively dramatic or extravagant
mugging · scenery-chewing · bombastic · flamboyant · showy · ostentatious · vaudevillian · histrionic
Restored to health
- smokedExposed to wood fumes
- glazedCoated with shiny finish
- saltyTasting of brine
- savoryAppetizing, not sweet
prosciutto · gammon · hock · shank · bone-in · sliced · deli · leftover
Excessively tearful sentiment
- schmaltzyExcessively and insincerely sentimental
- sappyExcessively sentimental
- weepyInclined to cry
- tearjerkerEmotionally manipulative entertainment
syrupy · saccharine · gushy · effusive · lachrymose · heartrending · mawkish · cloying
exaggerated
Made larger than reality
- theatricalExaggeratedly emotional for effect
- melodramaticExaggeratedly emotional in expression
- campyEntertainingly artificial and overblown
over-the-top · mugging · scenery-chewing · bombastic · flamboyant · showy · ostentatious · vaudevillian · histrionic · grandstanding
cured
Restored to health
savory · prosciutto · gammon · hock · shank · bone-in · sliced · deli · leftover · sandwich
maudlin
Excessively tearful sentiment
tearjerker · syrupy · saccharine · gushy · effusive · lachrymose · heartrending · mawkish · cloying · overemotional
- melodramatichistrionic, theatrical, overwrought, exaggerated, dramatic
- musclesmuscle, biceps, triceps, abs, hamstrings
- theatricaltheatrical, dramatic, melodramatic, histrionic, overacted
- Performance Stylesmethod acting, classical acting, comedic acting, physical theater, screen acting
- funnyfunny, comical, hilarious, humorous, amusing
- theater termsplay, actors, stage play, limelight, directing
hammyunderstated
Deliberately minimized in expression
subtle · restrained · subdued · underplayed · muted
hammynatural
Not artificially produced
unaffected · genuine · authentic · unpretentious · sincere
- ham sandwichPork slices in bread
- ham and cheesePopular sandwich filling duo
- ham and eggsTraditional morning meal pairing
- ham it upPerform with exaggerated theatrics
- Virginia hamSalt-cured Southern pork
- ham upPerform with excessive drama