crunchy
UK: ˈkrʌn.tʃi | US: ˈkrʌn.tʃi
adj. (of food) firm and making a sharp sound when bitten or crushed
adj. (informal) having a crisp, fresh, or lively quality
adj. (slang) rigidly or excessively strict in principles or standards
The word "crunchy" derives from the verb "crunch," which originated in the early 19th century as an onomatopoeic term mimicking the sound of crushing or chewing hard substances. The suffix "-y" was added to form an adjective, a common pattern in English (e.g., "bumpy," "spicy"). Over time, "crunchy" expanded beyond its literal meaning to describe textures, attitudes, or even subcultures (e.g., "crunchy granola" types).
The chips were so crunchy that everyone could hear her eating them.
He prefers crunchy peanut butter over the smooth variety.
The autumn leaves felt crunchy under our feet.
Her crunchy lifestyle includes yoga, organic food, and minimalism.
The new regulations seem a bit crunchy to small business owners.