Definition

Adjective: 1. Having a hot, pungent taste like pepper: Describes food or flavor that is spicy and sharp, similar to black pepper or chili peppers. 2. Easily angered or irritable: Describes a person who has a quick, fiery temper. 3. Sharp or stinging in style: Describes language, criticism, or writing that is biting, caustic, or full of sharp wit.

Usage and Examples

• Describing taste:
  • The soup was too peppery for my liking.
  • He makes a delicious, peppery sauce for the grilled meat.
• Describing temperament:
  • The old captain was known for his peppery disposition.
  • She gave a peppery reply when her authority was questioned.
• Describing language or style:
  • The journalist was famous for his peppery editorials.
  • The debate was filled with peppery exchanges between the candidates.

Advanced Usage

• "Peppery" can be used metaphorically beyond taste to describe anything with a sharp, lively, or aggressive quality.
  • The musician delivered a peppery solo that energized the crowd. (Here, it suggests a lively, staccato, or fiery performance style.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pepper (noun/verb): The spice itself; or to sprinkle or season with pepper.
• Peppercorn (noun): The dried berry of the pepper plant.

Synonyms

• Spicy, hot, pungent, piquant (for taste).
• Irritable, hot-tempered, fiery, testy, choleric (for temperament).
• Caustic, biting, acerbic, sharp, trenchant (for language).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• A peppery remark: A sharp or stinging comment.
  • He concluded his speech with a few peppery remarks aimed at his critics.

Adjective

1. having the piquant burning taste of peppers
   • corn chips with peppery salsa