soft-soapyadj.
/ˌsɒf(t)ˈsəʊpi/, U.S. /ˈsɔf(t)ˌsoʊpi/, /ˈsɑf(t)ˌsoʊpi/ colloquial.
Characterized by, or given to using, persuasive flattery; ingratiating, unduly deferential. Cf. soft soap n. 2.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > commendation or praise > flattery or flattering > [adjective]
ficklinga1240
glozing1297
blandingc1315
blandishingc1374
glaveringc1394
fleering?a1400
sleekedc1400
faginga1425
smoothc1450
flattering1484
cogging1542
flatterous1546
butterya1585
smooth-tongueda1593
oily1598
silken1598
slick-tongued1598
soothing1599
sleek1601
slick1606
blandiloquous1615
supellectile1615
colloguing1620
losengeous1632
oiled-tongued1632
daubing1655
blandiloquious1689
smooth-booted1706
palavering1764
pill-gilding1764
oily-tongued1788
buttering1789
sleeky1810
smooth-spoken1821
oleaginous1833
butteraceous1837
saponaceous1837
soft-soapy1849
soapy1854
blarneying1884
smarmy1924
sweet-talking1956
smoothie1959
smarming1970
blandiloquent-
1849 North Wales Chron. (Bangor) 27 Feb. Notwithstanding Mr Haws' soft-soapy attempt to hush the matter up.
1868 Good Words Mar. 188/2 He seemed a decent sort of man for a clergyman, but rather soft soapy as you may say.
1904 J. C. Lincoln Cap'n Eri iii. 36 The thing to do is to be sort of soft-soapy and high-toned.
1999 Independent 5 Aug. 21 The majority were soft-soapy urbanites from North America.
2008 Sun (Nexis) 3 June We are not expecting police officers to behave in a soft-soapy way to criminals.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2016; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1849