What does peppery mean?
Peppery describes something that has the strong, sharp taste or aroma of pepper, as in “peppery sauce” or “a peppery curry.” The adjective also has a figurative meaning: a remark, wit, or person may be called peppery when they are sharp, forceful, quick-tempered, or mildly irritating. “A peppery reply” suggests criticism delivered with biting energy, while “peppery wit” more often implies lively, incisive humour. Although the literal culinary sense is straightforward, the figurative use is the word’s more memorable feature. It conveys both pungency and a degree of intensity, so context determines whether the description sounds admiring, humorous, or disapproving. In British and American English, peppery is common in both culinary and figurative contexts.
adjectiveHaving the strong, sharp taste or aroma of pepper. Figuratively, sharp, incisive, or somewhat irritable in manner or speech.
- Having the sharp, pungent taste or aroma of pepper.
- Sharp, incisive, or somewhat irritable in speech, manner, or criticism.
"She answered the criticism with a peppery wit that amused the entire room."
"The soup was deliciously rich, with a distinctly peppery flavor."
"He became peppery when the interviewer challenged his claims."
Peppery began with the taste of pepper but soon came to describe a wit—or a temper—as sharp as a chili.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does peppery come from?
Peppery was formed in the 17th century from the noun “pepper” and the suffix “-y,” originally describing a sharp or pungent quality associated with the spice. It later acquired figurative senses relating to sharp speech and an irascible temperament. Pepper itself comes through Old French from Latin piper, a word that also underlies forms such as peppercorn, paprika, and pimento.
Related word forms
How peppery is actually used
When applied to a person, a remark, or a mood, “peppery” often suggests an irritated, aggressive, or confrontational tone. It can also be approving when describing lively, witty, or sharply humorous speech.