Racy: meaning, definitions and examples

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racy

[ˈreɪsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

describing content

Suggestive of or characterized by sexual content or language; risqué.

Synonyms

provocative, risque, sexy, suggestive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
racy	Best used to describe something slightly improper or suggesting excitement, often used for humor or entertainment. The comedian's racy jokes had the audience roaring with laughter. She wrote a racy novel that quickly became a bestseller.
risque	Usually applies to something that is sexually suggestive or bordering on indecency, often used in a playful or sophisticated context. The movie features some risque scenes that might not be suitable for younger viewers. The magazine is known for its risque pictorials.
provocative	Used to describe something that is intended to provoke a strong reaction, be it of thought, feeling, or controversy. His provocative statements sparked a heated debate. The artist's provocative work challenges societal norms.
sexy	Typically used to describe something or someone that is sexually attractive or appealing. It can also convey general attractiveness or stylishness. She wore a sexy dress to the party. The new sports car has a sexy design.
suggestive	Describes something that indirectly hints at sexual content or meaning, without being explicit. His suggestive comments made everyone feel uncomfortable. The painting has a suggestive allure.

Examples of usage

That movie was too racy for a family audience.
Her racy jokes always make everyone laugh.
The magazine featured a racy photo shoot.
The comedian's racy humor offended some audience members.
The book was criticized for its racy scenes.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

describing behavior

Lively, entertaining, and slightly daring in a fun and exciting way.

Synonyms

daring, entertaining, exciting, lively.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
racy	Use 'racy' to describe something slightly risqué or suggestive content, often used when talking about stories, photos, or jokes that might be pushing the boundaries of taste. It has a somewhat negative or controversial connotation. The novel had several racy scenes that sparked debate among readers. Her dress was considered a bit too racy for the formal event.
exciting	Use 'exciting' to describe something that creates a feeling of enthusiasm and eagerness. It can refer to events, news, or experiences that generate a lot of interest and anticipation. The announcement of the new product was very exciting. He finds skydiving incredibly exciting.
daring	Use 'daring' to describe someone or something that takes risks or is bold and adventurous. This can apply to actions, fashion choices, or creative works and generally has a positive connotation. He made a daring jump over the fence. Her daring fashion choices always turn heads.
entertaining	Use 'entertaining' to describe something that is enjoyable and holds people's attention. This can apply to movies, books, performances, or even people who are fun to be around. The comedian's performance was incredibly entertaining. She has a knack for telling entertaining stories.
lively	Use 'lively' to describe something full of energy, activity, and enthusiasm. This can apply to places, events, or even conversations and generally has a positive connotation. The market was lively and bustling with shoppers. She returned from the party in a lively mood.

Examples of usage

She has a racy sense of humor that keeps everyone entertained.
His racy driving style always adds excitement to the race.
The party had a racy atmosphere with music and dancing.
The fashion show featured racy designs that caught everyone's attention.
The comedian's racy performance had the audience in stitches.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'racy' originated from the Middle English term 'raci' which meant 'to provoke excitement'.
In the early 19th century, 'racy' was often used to describe things that had a lively or stimulating quality.
The modern use connects closely with topics that push social boundaries, often relating to humor or sexuality.

Literature

Racy content frequently appears in romance novels and certain types of thrillers, engaging readers with intriguing plots.
Authors like Ernest Hemingway used racy language to evoke bold emotions and paint vivid imagery in their works.
The term is sometimes used to describe a genre of writing that mixes humor with a flirty or provocative style.

Pop Culture

In films and television, 'racy' often describes content rated for older audiences due to suggestive themes.
Certain music genres, especially pop and rap, frequently incorporate racy themes to appeal to youthful audiences.
Reality television often embraces racy moments, leading to trends and discussions on social media.

Psychology

Research shows that racy content can evoke strong emotional responses, heightening feelings of excitement or intrigue.
The allure of racy themes often lies in their ability to challenge social norms and provide a sense of adventure.
Many individuals consume racy content out of curiosity, seeking experiences that are beyond their usual comfort zones.

Language and Rhetoric

Racy language often utilizes metaphors and innuendos to convey suggestive messages without explicitness.
In literary circles, 'racy' can also describe writing that is unusually vivid or straightforward, highlighting a strong point of view.
Racy dialogue is frequently employed in plays and scripts to enhance character development and tension.

Translations

Translations of the word "racy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 picante

🇮🇳 अश्लील

🇩🇪 pikant

🇮🇩 pedas

🇺🇦 пікантний

🇵🇱 pikantny

🇯🇵 辛辣な

🇫🇷 épicé

🇪🇸 picante

🇹🇷 baharatlı

🇰🇷 매운

🇸🇦 حار

🇨🇿 pikantní

🇸🇰 pikantný

🇨🇳 辛辣的

🇸🇮 pikanten

🇮🇸 sterkt

🇰🇿 ащы

🇬🇪 ცხარე

🇦🇿 acı

🇲🇽 picante

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,057, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

...
24054 almshouse
24055 voiding
24056 certitude
24057 racy
24058 psychotropic
24059 rooming
24060 clamorous
...