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spicy

/ˈspaɪsi/
/ˈspaɪsi/
IPA guide

Other forms: spicier; spiciest

Spicy things have a sharp, strong, pungent flavor. Hot chili peppers—and food that's made with them—are notoriously spicy.

People who don't like spicy food might be hesitant to try an Indian, Thai, or Mexican restaurant, since the cuisines of those countries are known for being spicy. But if you love the way curries tingle on your tongue, then you're a fan of spicy dishes. Spicy is also used to mean "exciting but vulgar or inappropriate," like a spicy joke that's not suitable for school.

Definitions of spicy
  1. adjective
    having an agreeably pungent taste
    synonyms: piquant, savory, savoury, zesty
    tasty
    pleasing to the sense of taste
  2. adjective
    producing a burning sensation on the taste nerves
    synonyms: hot
    tasty
    pleasing to the sense of taste
  3. adjective
    suggestive of sexual impropriety
    spicy gossip”
    synonyms: blue, gamey, gamy, juicy, naughty, racy, risque
    sexy
    marked by or tending to arouse sexual desire or interest
Pronunciation
US
/ˈspaɪsi/
UK
/ˈspaɪsi/
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