crispy
UK: ˈkrɪspi | US: ˈkrɪspi
adj. (of food) having a firm, dry, and brittle texture that makes a sharp sound when broken or crushed
adj. (of weather) cold and fresh
adj. (of speech or writing) briskly concise and clear
The word "crispy" derives from the Middle English "crisp," which originally meant "curled" or "wavy" (from Latin "crispus"). Over time, the meaning shifted to describe textures that are brittle or easily broken, likely due to the association of curled edges with dryness (e.g., curled leaves or fried foods). The suffix "-y" transforms it into an adjective, emphasizing the quality of being crisp. The evolution reflects a sensory shift from visual (wavy) to tactile/taste (brittle, crunchy).
The fried chicken was perfectly crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
She loves the crispy sound of autumn leaves under her feet.
The chef garnished the salad with crispy bacon bits.
A crispy winter morning made the air feel invigorating.
His presentation was short and crispy, holding everyone’s attention.