ENGLISH
REFERENCE

crusty

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkɹəsti// UK //kɹˈʌsti// crusty Informal Slang

adj. having a hard outer layer or being old and dry. In a casual way, it can also describe someone who is grumpy or something that is dirty and worn out.

adj. having or forming a hard outer layer or coating. By extension, describes a person who is irritable and old-fashioned, or an object that is unpleasantly dirty and stiff.


SIMPLE

The fresh bread has a delicious crusty top.

CONTEXTUAL

He washed his crusty old boots after spending the entire afternoon working in the muddy garden.

COMPLEX

The professor was known for his crusty exterior and sharp tongue, though students eventually realized his grumpiness masked a genuine dedication to their academic success.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English, equivalent to crust + -y.

Usage

Often used both literally for food and figuratively for personality traits or cleanliness.

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