What does tart mean?
Tart describes something with a sharp, acidic taste, as in tart apples, cheese, or lemonade. It can also describe language or behavior that is cutting, critical, or irritating, though in some informal British contexts it can instead suggest playful cheekiness or jaunty charm. As a noun, a tart is a shallow pastry filled with fruit, cream, or another mixture; lemon tart and fruit tart are familiar examples. The word also has a dated and offensive historical sense meaning prostitute, which should not be used as a casual label for someone. Its usefulness lies in this combination of culinary and figurative meanings: the same word can evoke a refreshingly sour flavor, a sharp-edged remark, or an inviting pastry, making it unusually versatile in both description and social commentary.
Sharp or acidic in taste; cutting or critical in manner; or, informally, jaunty and slightly cheeky.
"The cheese was rich and slightly tart."
The cheeky or jaunty sense is especially common in informal British English.
A shallow pastry filled with fruit, cream, or another mixture. In a dated and offensive sense, it also means prostitute.
"She bought a raspberry tart from the bakery."
The sense meaning prostitute is dated and offensive and should generally be reserved for historical or sensitive discussion.
Tarts are countable pastries and take the plural form tarts. The dated offensive noun sense can also be pluralized but requires careful, sensitive context.
"The bakery sells individual tarts as well as whole cakes."
One word can name a fruit pastry, describe a sour taste, and deliver a cutting remark—and its edible meaning is the delicious twist.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does tart come from?
The adjective entered Middle English from Anglo-Norman French tart, a word of uncertain ultimate origin that was used for something sharp or bitter. By the late 16th century, English was also using tart for an open pastry, and the figurative sense of sharp or critical speech was developing in the Early Modern period. The now-offensive sense meaning prostitute likewise emerged during the Early Modern period and is historically attested but unsuitable as a modern label.
Related word forms
How tart is actually used
Tart is neutral when describing food but can sound critical or teasing when applied to a person's remarks or manner. The jaunty or cheeky sense is especially common in informal British English. The noun sense meaning prostitute is offensive and should normally be restricted to historical or explicitly sensitive discussion.
Easily confused with tart
A tart is typically a shallow pastry with a fruit or other filling, whereas a torte is a larger, dense or layered cake, often made with chocolate or nuts.