The term histrionic developed from histrio, Latin for " actor." Something that is histrionic tends to remind one of the high drama of stage and screen and is often stagy and over-the-top. It especially calls to mind the theatrical form known as the melodrama, where plot and physical action, not characterization, are emphasized.

histrionics noun [ plural ] disapproving uk / ˌhɪs.triˈɒn.ɪks / us / ˌhɪs.triˈɑː.nɪks / Add to word list very emotional and energetic behaviour that is not sincere and has no real meaning:

histrionics [ his-tree- on-iks ] show ipa See synonyms for histrionics on Thesaurus.com noun (used with a singular or plural verb) dramatic representation; theatricals; acting. behavior or speech for effect, as insincere or exaggerated expression of an emotion; dramatics; operatics: Cut out the histrionics—we know you're not really mad.