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salty

adj.
US //ˈsɔɫti// UK //sˈɒlti// salty
  1. 1 tasting of salt (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    tasting of or containing a lot of salt.

    containing, tasting of, or preserved with salt.

    Example

    The soup was too salty for me to finish, so I asked for some water.

    Example

    The chef warned that the cured ham was naturally salty and required no additional seasoning before being served with the melon.
  2. 2 annoyed or bitter (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Slang

    feeling annoyed, angry, or bitter, especially about something that is not very important.

    characterised by resentment, irritation, or bitterness, typically following a minor defeat or perceived slight.

    Example

    He was still salty about losing the video game even though it was just for fun.

    Example

    She seemed a bit salty after the meeting, likely because her proposal was the only one the committee rejected without discussion.
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  1. 3 coarse or provocative (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    using language that is a bit rude, shocking, or funny in a rough way.

    referring to language or humour that is coarse, earthy, or mildly provocative.

    Example

    The old sailor told some salty stories about his time at sea.

    Example

    The comedian's salty language was a hit with the late-night crowd, though it proved too controversial for the afternoon television slot.
  2. 4 experienced sailor (adj.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal

    having a lot of experience, especially as a sailor who has spent years at sea.

    possessing significant experience or veteran status, particularly within naval or maritime contexts.

    Example

    The salty old captain knew exactly how to handle the ship during the storm.

    Example

    A few salty veterans remained at the shipyard, offering technical advice that the younger engineers had yet to master through formal training.
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.

Idioms2 entries

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