What Is The Meaning Of Crocodile Tears In Idioms: Unmasking Deceptive Emotions

What is the meaning of “crocodile tears” and can you provide some examples? “Crying crocodile tears” means to feign or fake sadness about something. Imagine your brother putting on a show of distress after accidentally burning your family’s dinner, when in reality, he secretly desired to order pizza instead. In this case, his emotional display is merely a facade, or as the saying goes, “crocodile tears.” This idiom has been in use for centuries, with its origins tracing back to as early as the year 1400. It serves as a colorful way to describe insincere displays of emotion.

The idiom “crocodile tears” refers to a disingenuous or insincere display of sadness or weeping. It is often used to describe situations where someone pretends to be sorrowful but is actually not genuinely affected. For instance, in the first example, individuals may appear to sympathize with the plight of the poor and disadvantaged, shedding “crocodile tears,” while secretly being content with the status quo. In the second example, the sight of George feigning sadness with insincere tears was repulsive. Finally, in the third example, the statement discourages politicians from insincerely expressing sympathy for the unemployed. Essentially, “crocodile tears” highlight deceptive or hypocritical emotions.

The phenomenon known as “crocodile tears” gets its name from the ancient myth that crocodiles shed tears while consuming their prey. However, in the realm of medical terminology, it is referred to as “crocodile tears syndrome,” also known as Bogorad syndrome. This syndrome is characterized by the involuntary shedding of tears when individuals who are recovering from Bell’s palsy eat or drink. Additionally, this condition is sometimes termed “gustatory lacrimation.” Gustatory lacrimation typically occurs as a side effect of the recovery process, and it can be a surprising and puzzling experience for those affected. This condition was last mentioned in medical literature on January 18, 2023.