Definition

1. Noun:
   • The quality of being spicy: The property of having a strong, pungent, or hot flavor, typically due to the presence of spices like chili peppers.
   • Suggestiveness; risqué quality: Behavior, language, or content that is slightly indecent, provocative, or bordering on impropriety.

Usage Examples

• Referring to flavor:
  • The spiciness of the curry made my eyes water.
  • I love the spiciness that fresh ginger adds to a dish.
• Referring to suggestive content:
  • The novel's spiciness made it a controversial bestseller.
  • The comedian was known for the spiciness of his jokes.

Advanced Usage

• "To add spiciness to": Can be used metaphorically to mean adding excitement, interest, or a provocative element to something.
  • The political scandal added some unexpected spiciness to the election campaign.

Variants and Related Words

• Spicy (adj): Having the quality of spiciness.
  • This salsa is very spicy.
  • She told a spicy anecdote.
• Spice (n): A substance used to give flavor and spiciness to food.
  • Cayenne pepper is a common spice for heat.

Synonyms

• Pungency: A sharp, strong taste or smell.
• Hotness: The quality of being hot in flavor.
• Suggestiveness: The quality of implying something indecent or risqué.
• Piquancy: A pleasantly sharp or stimulating quality, which can refer to both flavor and interest.

Related Idioms

• "Add spice to life": To make life more exciting or interesting. This idiom relates to the metaphorical use of "spiciness."
  • Their adventurous travels really add spice to their life.

Noun

1. behavior or language bordering on indelicacy
2. the property of being seasoned with spice and so highly flavored