mushy

Everyday

1. Mushy means soft and squashy, like mashed food or over-ripe fruit. tree →
2. (informal) Mushy means too sentimental, full of soppy love feelings: a mushy film. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life «mushy peas» are a British dish served with fish and chips, and over-cooked vegetables go mushy. Children often call romantic films or kissing scenes «mushy». In science, fruit going mushy is a sign of decay. Phrases: «mushy peas», «go mushy», «all mushy».

Examples

• The banana went mushy in my lunchbox. tree →
• We had fish and chips with mushy peas. tree →
• The cereal turns mushy if you leave it in the milk too long. tree →
• Ugh, this film is too mushy! tree →
• Cook the carrots longer if you like them mushy. tree →
• The card was full of mushy poems. tree →

Note

Comparatives: mushier, mushiest. From «mush» (a soft wet mass). The sentimental sense is informal and slightly mocking, not rude.