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Spiciness: meaning, definitions and examples

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spiciness

 

[ˈspaɪsiniːs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food flavor

The quality of being hot or pungent in taste, as a result of the presence of spices.

Synonyms

flavorful, heat, pungency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spiciness

Use this term when you want to talk about the level of spice in food, especially how it affects your taste buds. It can be used in both positive and neutral contexts.

  • I can't handle too much spiciness in my food
  • The spiciness of the curry was just right
heat

Use 'heat' when referring to the burning sensation spices can create. It is often used to describe the intensity of spice and is generally used in a neutral or descriptive context.

  • I enjoy the heat in Mexican food
  • The wings had a lot of heat
pungency

This term is often used to describe a sharp, strong, and sometimes harsh taste or smell. It can have a negative connotation.

  • The pungency of the blue cheese was overwhelming
  • The pungency of the garlic was too strong for me
flavorful

This word is best used when you want to describe food that has a rich and intense flavor. It generally has a positive connotation.

  • The soup was very flavorful
  • I prefer a more flavorful steak over a bland one

Examples of usage

  • The spiciness of the curry made my mouth burn.
  • She couldn't handle the spiciness of the salsa.
  • I enjoy the spiciness of Mexican cuisine.
Context #2 | Noun

pepper level

The degree to which a food is seasoned with spices that cause a burning sensation.

Synonyms

hotness, piquancy, pungency.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
spiciness

Suitable for general descriptions of food that has a spicy flavor, often used in culinary contexts.

  • The spiciness of the curry was just right for me.
  • She loves the spiciness in Mexican cuisine.
hotness

Refers to the heat sensation in food, focusing more on the temperature and intensity of the spice. Can be used informally.

  • The hotness of the chili pepper made my eyes water.
  • He can handle any level of hotness in his dishes.
pungency

Describes a strong, sharp taste or smell that can sometimes be overpowering. Often has a negative connotation in casual contexts.

  • The pungency of the garlic in the dish was too much for me.
  • There's a certain pungency in blue cheese that not everyone likes.
piquancy

Used to describe a pleasantly sharp, stimulating taste, often with a hint of sophistication. Suitable for gourmet or formal contexts.

  • The cheese had a surprising piquancy that delighted my palate.
  • The sauce added a piquancy to the dish that was unforgettable.

Examples of usage

  • The spiciness of the chili pepper was too much for me.
  • The spiciness of the dish was just right for my taste buds.
  • I like a medium level of spiciness in my food.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Science

  • Spiciness is measured by the Scoville scale, where hotter peppers like the Carolina Reaper score over 2 million Scoville Heat Units.
  • Capsaicin is the chemical that makes chili peppers hot, and it can actually help reduce pain when applied to the skin.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, spiciness is celebrated with dishes like Indian curry, Thai chili, and Mexican salsa, each using different types of hot peppers.
  • Some societies believe that eating spicy food can enhance social experiences, often shared at communal meals and festivities.

Historical Context

  • Historically, spices were so valuable that they were often used as currency, influencing trade routes and exploration.
  • Spicy foods have been used as an ancient preservative, extending the life of meals before refrigeration was available.

Health and Nutrition

  • Eating spicy food can boost your metabolism temporarily, helping your body burn calories more efficiently.
  • Capsaicin in spicy foods is linked to various health benefits, including reduced risk of heart disease and improved digestion.

Psychological Effects

  • Spicy food can trigger the release of endorphins, which may lead to feelings of pleasure or a 'spicy high'.
  • Some studies suggest that people who enjoy spicy foods might have a higher tolerance for discomfort in general.

Translations

Translations of the word "spiciness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 picância

🇮🇳 मसालेदारापन

🇩🇪 Schärfe

🇮🇩 kepedasan

🇺🇦 пікантність

🇵🇱 pikantność

🇯🇵 辛味 (karami)

🇫🇷 piquant

🇪🇸 picante

🇹🇷 acılık

🇰🇷 매운맛 (maeunmat)

🇸🇦 حِرَافَة (ḥirāfa)

🇨🇿 pikantnost

🇸🇰 pikantnosť

🇨🇳 辛辣 (xīnlà)

🇸🇮 pikantnost

🇮🇸 sterkleiki

🇰🇿 ащылық

🇬🇪 ცხარე (tskhaare)

🇦🇿 ədviyyatlılıq

🇲🇽 picante

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,929, 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.