What does pacey mean?
The adjective pacey describes something that moves or happens at a rapid pace, often in a lively or energetic manner. It is commonly used in British English to characterize thrillers, movies, books, or runners that exhibit speed or swiftness. Pacey is often used interchangeably with synonyms like swift or speedy, but it carries a slightly more informal tone. The word is useful for adding variety to descriptions of dynamic or fast-paced entities. While primarily used to describe physical movement, pacey can also characterize abstract concepts like plot developments or narrative twists.
adjectiveMoving or done at a rapid pace; swift or speedy.
- Having or showing a rapid pace or speed
- Lively or energetic in movement or action
"The pacey thriller kept me on the edge of my seat."
"The pacey runner quickly overtook the others."
"The pacey plot kept the audience engaged."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of pacey
The word pacey originates from the noun 'pace', which refers to a rate of movement or progress. The suffix '-y' is added to form an adjective, suggesting a characteristic or quality of pace. The term has been in use since the late 19th century, primarily in British English.
How pacey is actually used
Informal usage, often used in British English to describe something that moves or happens quickly.