adjective
spicy
SPEYE-see
adjective
1
Containing spices, or producing a hot, burning sensation on the tongue (usually from chili).
"The Thai curry was so spicy it made his eyes water."
"She prefers mild sauces over anything too spicy."
2
Lively, scandalous, or mildly racy — used for talk, gossip, or behavior.
"The tabloid ran a spicy story about the actor's divorce."
"Their group chat gets pretty spicy once politics comes up."
How to Use Spicy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHot-tasting food, or, informally, anything scandalous or exciting.
Common mistake
In cooking contexts "spicy" usually means chili-hot, not just "flavorful with spices" — a dish can be full of spices without being spicy.
Common pairings
spicy food
a spicy rumor
extra spicy
Word Forms
spicier comparative, spiciest superlative
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The Thai curry was so _____ it made his eyes water.
Etymology
Formed from spice plus the adjective-forming suffix "-y," first recorded in the 1500s.