Spicy: meaning, definitions and examples

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spicy

[ˈspaɪsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

food

Having a strong, pungent, or hot flavor.

Synonyms

fiery, flavorful, hot, pungent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spicy	Used to describe food that contains spices and has a strong flavor, sometimes with heat. It is a neutral term suitable for most situations where spiciness is a characteristic. I love spicy food; it always excites my taste buds. The curry was very spicy, making my mouth burn a little.
hot	Used to describe food that is both spicy in terms of heat and high in temperature. It can be neutral or a warning depending on the context. Be careful, the soup is really hot. I ordered the hot wings, and they were spicier than I anticipated.
pungent	Used to describe food with a very strong, sharp taste or smell. It can be both a positive or negative comment depending on the context and personal preference. The cheese had a pungent aroma that filled the room. Garlic gives the dish a wonderfully pungent flavor.
fiery	Used to describe food with very high heat, often to an extreme level. It also can convey a sense of intensity or aggression. This word may indicate a warning about the food's heat level. The chili sauce was fiery, bringing tears to my eyes. Her fiery temper matches her equally fiery cooking.
flavorful	Used to describe food that has a rich and strong taste. It is a positive term indicating deliciousness without necessarily implying heat. This soup is incredibly flavorful with all the herbs and spices. The steak was so flavorful, it didn’t need any sauce.

Examples of usage

This curry is too spicy for me.
I love spicy food like salsa and hot peppers.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

language

Using language or humor that is risqué, suggestive, or sexually explicit.

Synonyms

explicit, risque, sexy, suggestive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
spicy	Used informally to describe something that is exciting, provocative, or arousing strong interest. Can refer to food with strong flavors or situations that are thrilling. The movie had some spicy scenes that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. She shared a spicy story about her vacation.
risque	Describes something, usually a joke, story, or outfit that is slightly indecent or suggestive of sexual impropriety. It often carries a sense of being daring but not overly offensive. His risque jokes were a hit at the comedy club. She wore a risque dress to the party.
suggestive	Indicates something that implies or hints at sexual content, often subtly. It can also refer to something that evokes ideas or images in a way that suggests more than what is explicitly stated. The ad campaign was filled with suggestive images. His comments were suggestive of deeper feelings.
sexy	Commonly used to describe someone who is physically attractive or something that is appealing in a sensual way. Can also describe something exciting or interesting in a non-sexual manner. She looked incredibly sexy in her new outfit. The new sports car has a very sexy design.
explicit	Refers to material or language that is clear and detailed, often related to sexual content or graphic details that leave little to the imagination. Can be used in legal or formal contexts to describe clearly articulated rules or content. The movie was rated R due to its explicit content. The instructions were explicit and easy to follow.

Examples of usage

Her stand-up comedy routine is known for its spicy jokes.
The novel includes spicy dialogue that may not be suitable for young readers.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Arts

Spicy flavors are often found in cuisines around the world, such as Indian, Mexican, and Thai dishes, where ingredients like chili peppers are used.
Capsaicin, the compound in chili peppers that makes food spicy, can actually help boost metabolism and may aid in weight loss.
Many cultures believe spicy food increases happiness, as the body releases endorphins in response to the heat sensation.

Health and Nutrition

Eating spicy food can help clear sinuses and improve circulation, making it a popular choice during cold seasons.
Some studies suggest that regular consumption of spicy foods might be linked to a longer lifespan due to their health benefits.
Certain spicy ingredients, like ginger and garlic, not only add heat but also provide various health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties.

Cultural Significance

Festivals in various countries celebrate spicy foods, such as the 'Chili Festival' in South Carolina, showcasing a range of spicy dishes.
In some cultures, the ability to eat very spicy food is seen as a sign of strength or bravery, leading to challenges and competitions.
Spice trading has been a significant part of history, influencing economies and even leading to explorations around the globe.

Psychology

Spicy foods can trigger the release of endorphins, which can lead to feelings of pleasure and excitement, similar to an adrenaline rush.
People often have varying tolerance levels for spicy foods, influenced by genetics, exposure, and personal preference.
Enjoying spicy foods can sometimes signify a person's adventurous personality or willingness to try new experiences.

Literature and Media

Spicy themes often appear in literature and media, symbolizing passion, intensity, or conflict, seen in various love stories.
Cookbooks dedicated to spicy cuisine often combine recipes with stories about the cultural origins and personal memories associated with the dish.
Movies and TV shows sometimes play with spicy food as a comedic element, showcasing characters' exaggerated reactions to intense flavors.

Translations

Translations of the word "spicy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 picante

🇮🇳 मसालेदार

🇩🇪 scharf

🇮🇩 pedas

🇺🇦 гострий

🇵🇱 pikantny

🇯🇵 辛い (からい)

🇫🇷 épicé

🇪🇸 picante

🇹🇷 baharatlı

🇰🇷 매운 (maeun)

🇸🇦 حار

🇨🇿 pálivý

🇸🇰 pálivý

🇨🇳 辣 (là)

🇸🇮 pikanten

🇮🇸 sterkur

🇰🇿 ащы

🇬🇪 ცხარე (tsk'hare)

🇦🇿 ədviyyatlı

🇲🇽 picante

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,549, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17546 germanium
17547 cupola
17548 entitlements
17549 spicy
17550 overcoat
17551 disappoint
17552 mustache
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