tangy

Everyday

Tangy describes a sharp, strong, pleasant taste or smell, often a bit sour, like lemon, lime or orange. tree →

In the lessons

Food and science: taste words — sweet, salty, sour, bitter, umami; tangy is a sharp, fresh mix often from sour fruit. Stories and descriptive writing: «the tangy smell of the sea». Advertisements: «tangy orange flavour».

Examples

• This lemonade is lovely and tangy. tree →
• I like tangy cheese and onion crisps. tree →
• The orange juice tasted tangy. tree →
• The salty, tangy air of the seaside. tree →
• Add lime for a tangy flavour. tree →
• Rhubarb is tangy, so we add sugar. tree →

Note

Comparative: tangier, tangiest. Noun: tang (a sharp taste or smell). Similar: zesty, sharp, sour. Tangy is usually a pleasant word; sour may be unpleasant.