What does sugary mean?
Sugary is an adjective describing something that contains, is covered with, or is made largely of sugar. In everyday use, it often identifies foods and drinks perceived as very sweet or rich in added sugar, sometimes with a mildly critical implication: a sugary drink may be tempting but not especially nourishing. Sugary also has a figurative use for language, promises, or behaviour that are excessively sweet or ingratiating. A sugary voice can sound implausibly charming, while a sugary apology may seem insincere because of its polished, over-effortful tone. The word is common in both British and American English and is related to sugar, which has a history of transmission through French, Latin, Arabic, and ultimately Sanskrit. Understanding both the literal and figurative senses helps explain why sugary can carry a warning as well as a description: sweetness is pleasant in moderation, but the word often signals an excess of it.
adjectiveContaining, covered with, or made largely of sugar. figuratively, excessively sweet or ingratiating, especially in sound or manner.
- Containing, covered with, or consisting largely of sugar.
- Excessively sweet, pleasing, or ingratiating, especially in language or manner.
"The sugary drink came with a long list of artificial flavourings."
"She replaced the sugary cereal with a bowl of fresh fruit and plain yogurt."
"His sugary apology did little to conceal the damage he had caused."
Sugary can describe a snack, a drink, or the exaggerated sweetness of empty promises.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does sugary come from?
Sugary was formed in English from sugar with the adjective-forming suffix -y. The English word sugar came through Old French sucre from Medieval Latin succhrum, ultimately from Arabic sukkar, whose deeper source is Sanskrit śarkarā. Related forms such as saccharose and saccharide also reflect the Latin saccharon underlying the word's transmission into English.
Related word forms
How sugary is actually used
The literal sense is neutral, though it is often used critically when describing foods high in added sugar. The figurative sense is usually negative and can suggest excessive sentimentality, flattery, or false sweetness.