ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sweaty

adj. · n.
US //ˈswɛti// UK //swˈɛti// sweaty
  1. 1 covered in sweat (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    covered or wet with sweat from heat or exercise.

    covered, moistened, or stained with perspiration.

    Example

    He felt hot and sweaty after running for the bus in the midday sun.

    Example

    After ninety minutes of intense physical exertion on the pitch, the players emerged from the tunnel looking exhausted and sweaty.
  2. 2 causing sweat (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    describing a place or activity that makes you sweat.

    conducive to or causing perspiration, often due to high humidity or physical intensity.

    Example

    It was a sweaty afternoon in the crowded gym with no air conditioning.

    Example

    The tropical climate made for a sweaty commute, as the moisture in the air prevented any natural cooling.
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  1. 3 trying too hard to win (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Slang Informal Sport

    used to describe a player who is too serious or obsessed with winning a game.

    describing a player or a match characterised by excessive effort and a hyper-competitive attitude, often at the expense of fun.

    Example

    I stopped playing that game because the lobbies became too sweaty.

    Example

    The community complained that the matchmaking system was placing casual players into sweaty lobbies filled with professionals.

    Usage

    Often used as a pejorative in online gaming communities.

    Teacher's tip

    This is a modern slang term; learners should use it only in informal contexts like gaming or sports.
  2. 4 sportswear (n.)
    B1 Intermediate Informal

    comfortable clothes used for exercise, like a sweatshirt or sweatpants.

    informal clothing designed for exercise or lounging, typically made of heavy cotton jersey.

    Example

    She changed into her sweaties as soon as she got home from work.

    Example

    The trend of wearing sweaties in public has become increasingly acceptable in many urban professional environments.

    Usage

    Usually used in the plural form 'sweaties'.
Etymology 1

From Middle English swety, equivalent to sweat + -y.

Etymology 2

Influenced by the similarity of the spelling of sweety, and the humorous contrast between their meanings.

Word family

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