Crispy: meaning, definitions and examples

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crispy

[ˈkrɪspi ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

food texture

Easily breakable or crunchy in texture, often achieved through frying or baking until golden brown.

Synonyms

brittle, crisp, crunchy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
crispy	Often used for food that has a firm, but easily breakable texture, especially when fried or baked. I love crispy bacon for breakfast. The fries were perfectly crispy.
crunchy	Used mostly for food that makes a crunchy noise when eaten, indicating it is firm and textured. The granola bar was very crunchy. I love the crunchy texture of fresh carrots.
brittle	Describes something hard but liable to break or shatter easily, often used for non-food items like dried leaves or bones. Can have a negative connotation. The dry climate made the leaves brittle and fragile. Her bones became brittle with age.
crisp	Can describe both food items and non-food items. For food, it means firm and fresh. For non-food items, it means clean, clear, and well-defined. The apple was crisp and juicy. I like my salad crisp and fresh. She wore a crisp white shirt.

Examples of usage

The crispy bacon added a delicious crunch to the salad.
I love the crispy edges of freshly baked cookies.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

'Crispy' comes from the word 'crisp,' which has roots in the Old English word 'crispian,' meaning 'to curl or wave.'
The term became popular in the English language during the 19th century, mainly used to describe foods with a delightful crunch.
In modern culinary terms, 'crispy' is often used in restaurant menus to entice customers with the promise of delightful textures.

Culinary Science

The perfect 'crispy' texture often comes from cooking methods that involve high heat, like frying or baking.
Moisture is the enemy of crispiness; achieving a crispy texture usually involves reducing the water content in food.
Certain food coatings, like breading or batter, are designed to enhance crispiness by creating a barrier that keeps moisture away.

Cultural Significance

In various cultures, crispy textures are highly sought after, from French fries in America to tempura in Japan.
The crunchiness of food can enhance the eating experience, making it more enjoyable and satisfying.
Street foods around the world often emphasize crispy elements, like fried snacks in Indian cuisine or churros in Spain.

Psychology

The sound of crunching or crispy foods can trigger positive memories and feelings of happiness in many people.
Studies suggest that the crunch of food can enhance its flavor perception; a crispy texture can make it seem tastier.
Crispy foods often evoke nostalgia, reminding people of favorite snacks or homemade treats from childhood.

Pop Culture

Crispy snacks, particularly chips, have formed the basis of various advertising campaigns focusing on sound and texture.
Popular movies and shows often depict characters enjoying crispy foods to signify indulgence or comfort.
Crispy’s appeal is so strong that some brands have built their entire identity around providing the 'crispy experience.'

Translations

Translations of the word "crispy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 crocante

🇮🇳 कुरकुरा

🇩🇪 knusprig

🇮🇩 renyah

🇺🇦 хрусткий

🇵🇱 chrupiący

🇯🇵 カリカリ

🇫🇷 croquant

🇪🇸 crujiente

🇹🇷 gevrek

🇰🇷 바삭바삭한

🇸🇦 مقرمش

🇨🇿 křupavý

🇸🇰 chrumkavý

🇨🇳 酥脆的

🇸🇮 hrustljav

🇮🇸 stökkt

🇰🇿 қатырма

🇬🇪 ხრაშუნა

🇦🇿 xırtıldayan

🇲🇽 crujiente

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,255, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
28252 angrier
28253 optometrist
28254 engulfing
28255 crispy
28256 trucker
28257 quashing
28258 armada
...