What does spicy mean?
Spicy is an adjective describing food or drink that has a strong, sharp, or hot flavor, usually because it contains chili peppers, pepper, or other spices. Its literal meaning is widely used in British and American English, especially in discussions of cuisines such as Indian, Thai, Mexican, Korean, and Sichuan cooking. Spicy does not necessarily mean that food is unpleasant; it may simply indicate a pronounced seasoning or heat level. Informally, the word can also describe a person, performance, joke, or piece of writing as bold, provocative, lively, or mildly scandalous. A further informal usage describes someone as sexually attractive or suggestive. These extended meanings have made “spicy” especially common in conversational and social-media language. The word is useful because it combines a concrete culinary sense with flexible figurative applications, allowing speakers to comment on both flavor and intensity.
adjectiveHaving a strong, sharp flavor or sensation caused by spices, especially chili peppers. In informal use, it can also describe something lively, daring, suggestive, or mildly scandalous.
- Having a strong or hot flavor from spices, herbs, or chili peppers.
- Informally, lively, daring, provocative, or slightly scandalous.
- Informal slang, sexually attractive or suggestive.
"The curry was delicious, but it was much spicier than I had expected."
"The soup was delicious, but the sauce was far too spicy for me."
"Her witty, slightly spicy commentary made the interview memorable."
Spicy has journeyed far beyond the dinner table: it can describe a daring performance, a daring opinion, or a flirtatious joke.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spicy come from?
The adjective developed in English in the late 16th century by adding the suffix -y to spice. Spice had entered English through Old French espice, ultimately deriving from Latin species, a word associated with appearance or kind and later with commodities and spices. Related English forms include spice, spiced, spicery, and the derived noun spiciness.
Related word forms
How spicy is actually used
Literal uses are common in both British and American English. Figurative uses are generally informal and may suggest humor, boldness, controversy, or mild impropriety; the sexual sense is informal slang and can be inappropriate in formal settings.