Soupy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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soupy

[suːpi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

food texture

Soupy refers to a consistency that is like soup, often describing a dish that has a lot of liquid. It can indicate a pleasant, comforting texture in food but might also suggest that a dish is overly watery.

Synonyms

brothy, liquid, watery.

Examples of usage

  • The stew was too soupy for my liking.
  • She prefers her oatmeal soupy rather than thick.
  • The chef described the sauce as soupy, perfect for pouring over pasta.
Context #2 | Adjective

emotional state

In a more figurative sense, soupy can describe something that is overly sentimental or filled with excessive emotion, such as a cheesy movie or a melodramatic situation.

Synonyms

emotional, maudlin, sentimental.

Examples of usage

  • I found the ending of that romance movie a bit soupy.
  • His speech was filled with soupy sentimentality.
  • She didn't appreciate the soupy dialogue in the soap opera.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

  • The term 'soupy' can refer to both the consistency of food and to leftover liquids in a dish, giving a sense of coziness or mess.
  • Different cultures have unique soups; for example, pho from Vietnam is a flavorful noodle soup that many enjoy around the world.

Language & Usage

  • 'Soupy' is an adjective often used to describe the texture of food, weather, or even situations that feel overly emotional.
  • In slang, calling a situation 'soupy' might imply it's complicated or messy, much like thick soup.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, soups are considered comfort food, often enjoyed during cold seasons or when a person is feeling unwell.
  • Certain soups are tied to traditions, such as chicken soup being known as 'Jewish penicillin' for its healing properties.

Psychology

  • Comfort foods like soup can trigger positive emotions and nostalgia, often reminding individuals of home or family gatherings.
  • The warmth of soup can create a feeling of safety and comfort, especially in stressful times.

Arts & Literature

  • In literature, the imagery of soup can symbolize warmth, comfort, and community, often found during gatherings or family meals.
  • Artists may use the concept of 'soupy' in paintings to convey chaos or mixed emotions, represented through fluid forms.

Origin of 'soupy'

The word 'soupy' is derived from the word 'soup', which originates from the Latin 'suppa', meaning bread soaked in broth, and the Old French 'soupe', referring to liquid food made by boiling meat and vegetables. The term began to appear in the English language around the 19th century, and over time, 'soupy' developed as an adjective to describe any consistency resembling that of soup. The flexible use of the term has allowed it to extend beyond culinary contexts, often used to characterize dishes that are overly wet or to describe overly sentimental situations. Its evolution reflects culinary traditions and the emotional responses they evoke.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,964, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.