Histrionics

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(pronounced his-tree-on-iks)  noun

Definition

1. dramatics; theatrical performances. 2. pretended or artificial behavior, manner, or utterance for effect; exaggerated display of emotion calculated to attract attention.

Other Forms

Histrionic (pronounced his-tree-on-ik) adjective [Definition: 1. of or relating to actors or acting. 2. excessively dramatic or emotional; theatrical; feigned; consciously and intentionally affected.]

Main Example

• By now, most Americans have heard of Donald Trump's explosive anger and his attendant mannerisms such as pounding the table mightily, thanks to detailed accounts by some of his former White House associates and authoritative books such as the one by Jonathan Karl. Well, you can add one more to the list of Trump's histrionic displays of rage--his proclivity for throwing dishes against the wall. In her long, illuminating, and courageous testimony before the January 6 Committee, Cassidy Hutchinson described an incident when, following a commotion, she rushed into the dining room and saw ketchup dripping from the wall. And, as she testified, that was not the first time that Trump had flung plates.

Workplace Examples

• The new VP, Michael, is a big contrast to his predecessor, especially the way he is always so calm and composed, and how he maintains his poise no matter how bad the tidings. Have you noticed that Michael never becomes histrionic, as did the previous guy?

• Before you begin your meeting this afternoon with the principals of the company we're trying to acquire, be aware that their chief negotiator, Scott, is given to a deliberate use of histrionics, or histrionic outbursts, as a negotiating tactic. He uses lots of affected and exaggerated gestures and facial expressions to unsettle the other side and weaken their resolve.

Other Examples

• this author telling an executive-coaching client: "Sure, highly effective public speaking requires that you supplement verbal techniques with a wide range of nonverbal gestures, but not anything like what Mary did with her campaign speech this afternoon--her highly exaggerated vocal variety and facial gestures reeked of insincerity. I'm sure many in the audience were turned off by her histrionics, her over-the-top performance."
• a highly melodramatic testimony by a prosecution witness being interrupted by the defense attorney with the words: "Please, let's cut the histrionics and adhere to facts. So, once again, here's my question. Did..."
• while watching a high-profile trial on television during which the defendant sheds many a tear, the obvious question in the minds of viewers: is this show of remorse histrionic or sincere
• a driver who is given to throwing up his hands histrionically every time the freeway traffic slows to a halt; a public speaker who has a propensity to become histrionic

• a lawmaker winning respect from both sides of the aisle for her calm, non-histrionic, and objective assessment of the nation's most pressing issues; a candidate running for mayor being the object of histrionic derision from an opponent

• some people who have been diagnosed with a "histrionic pattern of behavior" or "histrionic personality disorder" because of their rapid emotional shifts and attention-seeking behavior

• during his vehement speech at the White House in the wake of the Uvalde massacre, the hand gestures of Matthew McConaughey, whom this author admires, looking jerky and histrionic and not at all natural, thanks to his long and frequent pauses to read his notes (click here or here to see a short clip)

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