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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
translation icon : 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
15 7.2

Bright and stylish in a way that draws attention

focuses on lively sharpness rather than only flashy attractive appearance
glitzy
vszingy
13 4.8

A bright, showy look that tries to impress people

highlights lively sharp quality rather than merely showy superficial display
scintillating
vszingy
5 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
4 4.4

A strong, clear style that grabs attention

emphasizes lively and sharp quality rather than forceful bluntness
racy
vszingy
3 6.5

Makes writing or speech lively and exciting, keeping people interested

leans more toward sharpness especially in taste or remarks
buzzy
vszingy
1 4.8

Full of lively activity and excitement that attracts people

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

Very exciting in a way that makes people notice it

is a livelier sharp quality, not merely sudden impressive surprise

Antonyms

31 2.8

A thing that has no strong character and few interesting features

7 3.5

Not interesting or exciting

Compounds

A sharp, lively taste like lemon or mild spice

How Lively

zingy
  • Informal
1 6.1
lively
111 1.3
zesty
4 4.2
mild
107 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'.