kisela

Kisela is a term originating from the Slavic languages, most notably Bosnian, Croatian, and Serbian, where it directly translates to "sour" or "acidic." It is most commonly used to describe a sour taste, but its application extends to various contexts.

In culinary terms, kisela refers to sour-tasting foods and drinks. This can include fermented products like sauerkraut (kiseli kupus) or pickled vegetables, as well as fruits with a tart flavor. Yogurt and kefir are also often described as kisela due to their natural sourness from fermentation. The term can also be used to describe a sour soup or stew.

Beyond taste, kisela can also describe a sour disposition or mood. Someone who is described as kisela might be perceived as grumpy, irritable, or generally unhappy. This figurative use of the word highlights the association of sourness with negativity.

The word's etymology traces back to the Proto-Slavic word *kyslъ, meaning sour. It shares cognates with similar words in other Indo-European languages, such as the German "sauer" and the English "sour." The widespread presence of this root underscores the fundamental nature of the concept of sourness across many cultures and languages.