ENGLISH
REFERENCE

soapy

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsoʊpi// UK //sˈəʊpi// soapy Archaic

adj. describing a story or show that is very emotional and full of drama. It often has characters who are in love or having big problems.

adj. characterised by excessive sentimentality, melodrama, or emotional intensity. Often used to describe television serials or films that prioritise emotional conflict over realism.


SIMPLE

The soap opera has a very soapy plot.

CONTEXTUAL

Critics dismissed the film as a soapy melodrama, focusing more on the characters' love lives than on the actual mystery.

COMPLEX

While the script was technically sound, the director's choice of lighting and music gave the entire production a soapy, almost camp aesthetic that alienated the intended audience.

Synonyms
Origin

From soap + -y. Compare German Low German sepig (“soapy”), German seifig (“soapy”), Swedish såpig (“soapy”).

© 2026 English Reference