Crunchy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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crunchy

[หˆkrสŒntสƒi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

food texture

Having a texture that is crisp and firm, often making a crackling or crunching sound when bitten or chewed.

Synonyms

brittle, crackling, crisp.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crunchy

This word is often used to describe foods that make a noise when you bite into them and have a satisfying texture. It is usually positive.

  • The fresh apples were delightfully crunchy.
  • He loves the crunchy texture of roasted nuts.
crisp

Crisp is used to describe something firm, dry, and able to break easily. It is often used positively for food or weather, and sometimes for clean lines or neatness.

  • The crisp autumn air was refreshing.
  • She admired the crisp lettuce in her salad.
crackling

Crackling is often used to describe a sound, particularly the sound of small, sharp noises, like the sound of a fire or frying food.

  • She enjoyed the crackling of the fire on a cold night.
  • The bacon was cooking with a pleasant crackling sound.
brittle

Brittle is used to describe something hard but easily broken or cracked. It can refer to materials, and it can have a negative connotation.

  • The old tree branches were brittle and snapped easily.
  • This material becomes brittle in the cold.

Examples of usage

  • The crunchy granola bar was a perfect snack for the hiking trip.
  • She enjoyed the crunchy texture of the freshly baked bread.
  • I love the crunchy sound when I bite into a crispy apple.
Context #2 | Adjective

informal

Cool, trendy, or edgy in a way that is appealing or exciting.

Synonyms

appealing, cool, edgy, trendy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
crunchy

As with the previous 'crunchy,' it is used for describing foods with a crisp texture, making them enjoyable to eat.

  • I love the crunchy texture of fried chicken.
  • Crunchy cookies are my favorite.
cool

This can be used to describe something or someone as trendy, fashionable, or impressive. It can also refer to a pleasantly low temperature.

  • His new car is really cool.
  • The evening breeze was cool and refreshing.
trendy

Used to describe something or someone that is currently popular and fashionable.

  • These shoes are very trendy this season.
  • His trendy outfit caught everyone's attention.
edgy

Often used to describe something new, daring, and unconventional, or with a sharp, nervous quality. It sometimes has a slightly negative connotation, implying too aggressive or risky behavior.

  • Her artwork is very edgy and breaks traditional norms.
  • The thriller movie kept everyone on the edge of their seats with its edgy storyline.
appealing

Used to describe something that is attractive or interesting, making people want it or find it desirable.

  • The job offer was very appealing because of the high salary.
  • Her art style is extremely appealing to a wide audience.

Examples of usage

  • She has a crunchy style with her vintage clothing and unique accessories.
  • The band's music has a crunchy vibe that resonates with younger audiences.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • Textures like 'crunchy' are often used in cooking to enhance the sensory experience, providing contrast to softer elements.
  • Foods that are crunchy (like fried snacks or raw vegetables) are usually perceived as more enjoyable because they add excitement to every bite.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people often prefer crunchy foods because they signal freshness and quality.
  • The sound of crunching can trigger positive emotional responses, enhancing the overall enjoyment of food.

Pop Culture

  • In advertising, products described as 'crunchy' often emphasize their texture to attract consumers, especially in snack food commercials.
  • Cartoons and movies sometimes exaggerate crunching sounds to make scenes more entertaining and engaging for the audience.

Health Benefits

  • Many crunchy vegetables, like carrots and celery, are low in calories and high in nutrients, making them great for healthy snacking.
  • Including crunchy foods in your diet can promote better dental health, as the chewing action stimulates gums and reduces plaque.

Origin of 'crunchy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'crunchy' comes from the verb 'crunch', first recorded in the early 19th century.
  • It combines 'crunch', which imitates the sound it makes, with the suffix '-y' to describe something that has that quality.

The word 'crunchy' originated from the Middle English word 'crouchen,' meaning to crush or break into small pieces. It evolved over time to describe the texture of food that is crisp and firm. In modern usage, 'crunchy' is also used informally to describe something trendy or cool, reflecting its versatility in English language.


See also: crunch, cruncher, crunchiness, crunching.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,333, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.