Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Having a sharp, pungent, acidic, or sour taste or smell, often in a pleasant and refreshing way. It is a taste that stimulates the senses, similar to that of citrus fruits, certain berries, or vinegar.

Usage

• The word "tangy" is used to describe a specific type of sourness that is usually bright, sharp, and appetizing, rather than unpleasantly sour.
• It is commonly applied to foods, drinks, and sometimes smells.
• It is a positive descriptor in most culinary contexts.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The tangy flavor of the lemonade was very refreshing on a hot day.
  • She made a tangy barbecue sauce with apple cider vinegar and mustard.
  • The cheese had a rich, tangy taste.
  • I love the tangy kick of fresh cranberries.

Advanced Usage

• "to have a tangy edge/note": Used to describe a complex flavor profile where a sharp, sour taste is one component among others.
  • The sweet dessert had a pleasant tangy edge from the passion fruit purée.

Variants and Related Words

• Tang (n): The sharp, pungent flavor or smell itself.
  • The tang of the sea air.
• Tanginess (n): The quality of being tangy.
  • The tanginess of the yogurt comes from live cultures.

Synonyms

• Sharp: Having a strong, pungent taste or smell.
• Piquant: Pleasantly sharp or stimulating to the taste.
• Tart: Sharp or acid in taste.
• Zesty: With a strong, pleasant, and somewhat spicy or sour flavor.

Antonyms

• Bland: Lacking strong flavor.
• Sweet: Having the taste of sugar.
• Mild: Not strong, sharp, or bitter in flavor.

Related Phrases

• Tangy and sweet: A common flavor combination describing something that is both sour and sugary.
  • The sauce was the perfect balance of tangy and sweet.

Adjective

1. tasting sour like a lemon