Spicy: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.