ENGLISH
REFERENCE

salty

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈsɔɫti// UK //sˈɒlti// salty Slang

adj. annoyed or upset about something small, especially because you lost a game or feel embarrassed. It is a casual way to describe someone who is acting like a 'sore loser'.

adj. characterised by resentment or irritation, typically following a minor setback, perceived slight, or loss. Informal in register; often describes a person who reacts with bitterness to a trivial defeat.


SIMPLE

He got really salty after I won the race.

CONTEXTUAL

She was still salty about the joke he made during lunch, even though everyone else thought it was funny.

COMPLEX

While the competitive nature of the tournament was expected, several players became visibly salty when the final rankings were announced, leading to a tense atmosphere in the lounge.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

PIE word *séh₂ls From Middle English salti, equivalent to salt + -y. Compare Saterland Frisian soaltig (“salty”), West Frisian sâltich (“salty”), Dutch zoutig (“salty”), German Low German soltig (“salty”), German salzig (“salty”). (coarse; irritated, annoyed): Referencing the sharp, 'spicy' flavor of salt. (indignant): Perhaps implying the person is a crybaby, shedding salty tears, or derived from the preceding.

Usage

Often follows a linking verb like 'get', 'be', or 'feel'.

Idioms2 entries

© 2026 English Reference