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zingy

zingy

1 6.1
Being lively and sharp in a way that makes taste or talk exciting
  • adjective
  • /ˈzɪŋi/
  • Informal
: picante
  • The salad was topped with a zingy dressing that added a burst of flavor.
  • zingy flavor
  • zingy sauce

No, you're not feeling zingy, sprightly, Zing, Zing, Zing.

Examples

  • A zingy breakfast did wonders for my morale.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • The most zingy aspect of it is the diversity of ideas it stimulates.

    Academic text (2001)
  • Forty years later, these are avidly sought by those with an eye for their zingy appeal.

    Fiction book (1993)
  • The smell, all the smell of these products I'm obsessed with is like fresh zingy citrus.

  • While baguettes and water crackers are a tried-and-true match with a cheese plate, fresh or dried fruit tempers the richness and provides a burst of bright, zingy flavor to contrast with the creamy dairy.

    Blog text (6)
  • She made a zingy remark that instantly lightened the mood of the meeting.

  • The dish has a zingy quality thanks to the fresh lemon juice and herbs.

Synonyms

snazzy
vszingy
  • Informal
17 7.2

Bright and stylish in a way that draws attention

focuses on lively sharpness rather than only flashy attractive appearance
glitzy
vszingy
11 4.8

A bright, showy look that tries to impress people

highlights lively sharp quality rather than merely showy superficial display
racy
vszingy
10 6.5

Makes writing or speech lively and exciting, keeping people interested

leans more toward sharpness especially in taste or remarks
scintillating
vszingy
10 8.1

Very clever and lively in speech or writing that keeps people interested

expresses lively sharp quality without the same high level of brilliance
punchy
vszingy
7 4.4

A strong, clear style that grabs attention

emphasizes lively and sharp quality rather than forceful bluntness
buzzy
vszingy
1 4.8

Full of lively activity and excitement that attracts people

is about lively sharp quality rather than general noisy attention
zowie
vszingy
  • Archaic
1 9.6

Very exciting in a way that makes people notice it

is a livelier sharp quality, not merely sudden impressive surprise
zingingly witty
vszingy
  • Informal
8.1

Using very sharp, clever words that make people laugh

is used for lively sharp quality across taste style or remarks
zingingly fun
vszingy
  • Informal
8.7

Full of lively, exciting fun, like a great party or game

adds a sharper edge or taste to the lively excitement

Antonyms

38 2.8

A thing that has no strong character and few interesting features

6 3.5

Not interesting or exciting

Compounds

1 4.4

A sharp, lively taste like lemon or mild spice

How Lively

zingy
  • Informal
1 6.1
lively
109 1.3
zesty
7 4.2
mild
206 1.0

Surface Forms

zingy positive
zingier comparative
zingiest superlative

Morphology

zingy = zing (transparent) = zing + y

Formed by the productive addition of '-y' to 'zing' meaning 'having or characterized by zing', which directly yields 'lively' or 'piquant'.

Etymology

Zingy comes from the short word zing, which means 'sharp' or 'lively', plus the ending -y, which means 'full of'. Think of a quick 'zing' sound or a sharp, fresh taste, so zingy means 'full of lively, sharp energy'.