ENGLISH
REFERENCE

spicy

adj.
US //ˈspaɪsi// UK //spˈaɪsi// spicy
  1. 1 hot food (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Cooking

    having a strong, hot flavor that makes your mouth feel like it is burning.

    producing a pungent or burning sensation on the palate, typically due to the presence of capsaicin or strong spices.

    Example

    I love spicy food, but this curry is a bit too hot for me.

    Example

    The chef recommended the spicy lamb dish, noting that the heat was balanced by a cooling yogurt sauce and fresh coriander.
  2. 2 scandalous or exciting (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

    exciting because it involves secrets, gossip, or slightly shocking details.

    containing elements of scandal, gossip, or mild impropriety that provoke interest or excitement.

    Example

    The magazine promised some spicy details about the celebrity's private life.

    Example

    The leaked emails contained several spicy exchanges between the executives that the company had hoped to keep confidential.
Show 2 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 provocative or risky (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal Computing

    used online to describe a comment or opinion that is bold, aggressive, or likely to cause an argument.

    describing content or opinions that are intentionally provocative, controversial, or mildly aggressive in an online context.

    Example

    He posted a spicy take on the new movie that started a huge debate.

    Example

    The moderator warned the user that their spicy comments were bordering on harassment and might lead to a temporary ban from the forum.
  2. 4 suggestive or sexy (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal

    having a sexual or suggestive quality that is exciting but not quite pornographic.

    suggestive or racy in nature; often used to describe romantic fiction or social media content with sexual undertones.

    Example

    She enjoys reading spicy romance novels during her summer holidays.

    Example

    The influencer was careful to label her spicy photos correctly to avoid violating the platform's community guidelines regarding suggestive content.
Origin

From spic(e) + -y. First attested in the 16th century.

Idioms1 entry

© 2026 English Reference