Grasiento

Grasiento is a Spanish adjective used to describe substances or appearances characterized by an excess of fat or oil. It is commonly applied to foods that are fried or otherwise rich in fat, such as una comida grasienta or una carne grasienta, as well as sauces that leave a greasy film. It can also describe surfaces or objects that are slick with grease, like a pan, a plate, or a floor, and, by extension, skin or hair that looks oily.

Etymology and nuance: The word derives from grasa, fat, with the suffix -iento indicating abundance or presence. It is cognate with related forms such as grasoso and graso, and is widely used across Spanish-speaking regions. Grasiento often carries a negative or critical nuance, suggesting heaviness, indulgence, or a lack of cleanliness.

Usage: In culinary contexts, grasiento commonly describes foods or sauces high in fat. It can also describe someone’s skin or hair when oily, though this usage is less formal. Some speakers prefer synonyms such as grasoso or graso, depending on region and register; grasiento tends to emphasize a conspicuous greasiness.

See also: grasoso, graso, grasa, cocina, gastronomía.