Crackly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crackly

[ˈkrækli ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

sound

Making a series of short, sharp noises; crisp.

Synonyms

crispy, noisy, snap-crackle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crackly	Note: This word is a duplicate in your input and has the same definition as above. The fire was warm, but the crackly sound of the burning wood was soothing. She listened to the crackly voice message, straining to hear the words.
crispy	Usually refers to food that is pleasantly crunchy, often freshly cooked or baked. It can describe textures that are fresh and firm. The bacon was perfectly crispy. She loved the crispy lettuce in her salad.
noisy	Describes a sound or situation characterized by a lot of loud or persistent sounds. It often carries a negative connotation. The busy street was incredibly noisy. The kids in the playground were very noisy.
snap-crackle	A playful or descriptive term typically used to describe a sequence of sharp popping sounds. It can be used in advertising or to create a vivid image in the listener's mind. The cereal makes a snap-crackle sound when milk is poured over it. She liked the snap-crackle of the fireworks.

Examples of usage

The fire crackled in the fireplace.
The crunching leaves made a crackly sound underfoot.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

texture

Having a rough or uneven surface that produces crackling sounds when touched.

Synonyms

crinkly, rough, uneven.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crackly	This word is commonly used to describe something that makes a series of small cracking sounds, often referring to surfaces such as paper, leaves, or a radio with poor reception. The old radio was giving off a crackly sound. She walked on the crackly autumn leaves.
rough	This word is often used to describe a surface that is not smooth, can also describe a difficult or harsh experience. The sandpaper felt rough to the touch. He had a rough day at work.
uneven	This word usually refers to surfaces that are not level or uniform, often used in physical contexts such as the ground, roads, or edges. The trail was uneven, making it difficult to walk. The painter had to fix the uneven edges of the wall.
crinkly	This word is typically used to describe something that has many small, thin wrinkles or folds. It can describe textures like that of paper, fabric, or skin. The crinkly wrapping paper made a pleasant sound as she unwrapped the gift. Her crinkly eyes were filled with joy.

Examples of usage

The old book pages were yellowed and crackly.
The crackly surface of the pottery added character to the piece.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Nature

Many natural occurrences, like the sound of dry leaves underfoot or sparking fires, are called crackly due to their sharp, distinctive noise.
Certain species of frogs make crackly sounds to attract mates, showcasing nature's diverse use of sounds.
Insects like cicadas create crackly noises during mating seasons, contributing to the soundscapes of summer evenings.

Pop Culture

In movies, sound effects designers often use crackly noises to create suspense or highlight dramatic moments.
The crackly sound of vinyl records is celebrated for its nostalgic quality, giving music a warm, retro vibe.
Popular snacks like crackling popcorn or crispy chips play on this adjective to appeal to our sense of sound while eating.

Psychology

The sound of crackling can trigger memories; it’s often associated with comfort, like warm fireplaces or favorite childhood snacks.
Studies show that noises, including crackly sounds, can influence mood and perception; soft crackling can be calming.
Sounds that include crackling are sometimes used in ASMR videos to evoke relaxation and pleasant feelings.

Literature

In poetry and literature, crackly sounds are often used descriptively to create an immersive atmosphere or evoke specific sensory experiences.
Authors often describe fire as crackly to convey warmth or danger, enriching the narrative with auditory imagery.
Children's books frequently use crackly descriptions to engage young listeners, making stories lively and vivid.

Origin of 'crackly'

Main points about word origin

The word 'crackly' is derived from 'crack,' which has Old English roots, reflecting the sound it describes.
Related words in Middle English include 'crakle,' showing how language evolves over time.
The suffix '-ly' transforms the adjective 'crack' into an adverb, emphasizing the quality of the sound.

The word 'crackly' originated from the combination of 'crack' and the suffix '-ly', which is used to form adjectives indicating the manner or quality of something. The term has been in use since the late 19th century, primarily in relation to sounds or textures that are characterized by a series of short, sharp noises or rough surfaces that produce crackling sounds. Over time, 'crackly' has become a descriptive term commonly used in the context of food, nature, and textures.

See also: crack, cracked, cracker, crackers, cracking, crackle, crackling.