Oleaginousness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The state or quality of having an oily or greasy texture or feel ; a manner characterized by overly flattering, insincere smoothness or slickness
2. Possessing a greasy or slick surface or characteristic ; showing a friendly or flattering way that is often regarded as excessive or insincere
3. Describes something that is covered with or resembling oil ; reflects a style or attitude that is overly smooth, flattering, or ingratiating, often perceived as untrustworthy

Etymology: Oleaginous comes from Late Latin "oleaginus," meaning "of the olive" or "made of olive," itself built on Latin "oleum," oil. English took the adjective and gave it a sense of greasiness, so that something oleaginous is oily in texture or in manner. The noun oleaginousness is simply that adjective with the suffix "-ness" attached, turning the quality into a thing that can be named. The fun of the word lies in its tone rather than its history. Because it sounds so heavy and slick, it is often used for people who are unctuously smooth, flattering in a way that seems greasy, rather than for literal oil. The suffix does the same job it does in kindness or sadness: it takes a describing word and makes it an abstract quality.