Fulsome

ˈfʊlsəm

adjective

excessively flattering or insincerely earnest; offensive from excess of praise or commendation

The word 'fulsome' is interesting because its meaning has evolved over time. Originally, it meant 'full of' or 'abundant', but now it typically carries a negative connotation of being insincere or excessive, especially in praise or flattery.

She accepted it with fulsome thanks; it was lovely to behold, and all that burnished copper would flash prettily in the sun, though if actual battle threatened, she would sooner be clad in steel.

George R. R. Martin

A Dance with Dragons: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book Five

"Good manners! No one knoweth any longer how to reverence: it is that precisely that we run away from. They are fulsome obtrusive dogs; they gild palm-leaves. "This loathing choketh me, that we kings ourselves have become false, draped and disguised with the old faded pomp of our ancestors, showpieces for the stupidest, the craftiest, and whosoever at present trafficketh for power.

Friedrich Nietzsche

Thus Spake Zarathustra

Mrs Bellingham He addressed me in several handwritings with fulsome compliments as a Venus in furs and alleged profound pity for my frostbound coachman Palmer while in the same breath he expressed himself as envious of his earflaps and fleecy sheepskins and of his fortunate proximity to my person, when standing behind my chair wearing my livery and the armorial bearings of the Bellingham escutcheon garnished sable, a buck's head couped or.

James Joyce

Ulysses

The fulsome praise, the heartiness of hand and tongue, the liberal display of sentiment were as the breath of life to him: he was overwhelmingly insistent in the payment of drinks at the fountain, the bringer-home of packed ice-cream for Eliza, and of cigars to Gant and, as Gant gave publication to his generosity, the boy's need for it increased—he built up an image of himself as the Good Fellow, witty, unselfish, laughed at but liked by all—as Bighearted Unselfish Luke.

Thomas Wolfe

Look Homeward, Angel

"'Stabilized" is the fulsome term young Dr Cody used when he examined me late yesterday afternoon.

Stephen King

'Salem's Lot

She accepted it with fulsome thanks; it was lovely to behold, and all that burnished copper would flash prettily in the sun, though if actual battle threatened, she would sooner be clad in steel.

Martin, George, R. R.

A Dance With Dragons

ALBUS: And I know I'll always be Harry Potter's son — and I will sort that out in my head — and I know compared to you my life is pretty good, really, and that he and I are comparatively lucky and — SCORPIUS (interrupting) : Albus, as apologies go this is wonderfully fulsome, but you're starting to talk more about you than me again, so probably better to quit while you're ahead.

J. K. Rowling

Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: Parts One and Two