Tallowy: meaning, definitions and examples

descriptive quality

Tallowy describes a texture or appearance that is greasy, fatty, or resembling tallow, which is animal fat used especially for making candles and soap. This word often pertains to a surface that is slick or oily and is more commonly used in contexts involving food or certain skin conditions. It can also evoke a sense of unpleasantness or discomfort when describing something that feels excessive or unclean.

fatty, greasy, oily, slimy

Examples of usage

• The tallowy residue remained on my fingers after cooking.

• His tallowy skin was a sign of poor hygiene.

• The steak had a tallowy appearance that was off-putting.