brackish
UK: ˈbrækɪʃ | US: ˈbrækɪʃ
adj. (of water) slightly salty, especially as a result of mixing seawater with freshwater.
adj. (figuratively) unpleasant or distasteful, especially in a subtle way.
brackish = brack<salty> + ish<adjective suffix>
- brack: Derived from Middle Dutch brac ("salty"), related to Old High German bracch ("salty"). The term originally described the taste of saltwater mixed with freshwater.
- ish: A common English suffix forming adjectives, meaning "having the quality of" or "somewhat."
Etymology Origin:
The word brackish emerged in the 16th century, borrowed from Dutch brac, reflecting the maritime culture of the Low Countries where estuaries and coastal waters often mixed salt and fresh water. The suffix -ish softened the term to describe a moderate or intermediate state of salinity. Over time, it also acquired a figurative sense of something mildly unpleasant, akin to the ambiguous nature of brackish water—neither fully fresh nor fully salty.
The river delta contains brackish water, supporting unique ecosystems.
After the storm surge, the wells turned slightly brackish.
His compliment had a brackish undertone, leaving her uneasy.
Mangroves thrive in brackish environments where few other plants survive.
The soup tasted brackish, as if someone had accidentally added seawater.