picoso

Picoso is a Spanish adjective used in some Spanish-speaking regions, primarily in Latin America, to describe flavors and foods that are spicy, hot, or piquant. The term is derived from the Spanish verb picar (to sting, to bite), and its sense reflects the biting or sharp sensation of heat or seasoning. The masculine form is picoso, the feminine picosa; it is often used in culinary descriptions to signal levels of heat in chili peppers, sauces, salsas, and prepared dishes. In everyday speech, picoso can also describe a bold, lively, or cheeky character when metaphorically applied to people.

In cuisine, picoso is commonly associated with dishes that include hot peppers such as jalapeños, serranos, habaneros, or chili powders that create a noticeable burn. A salsa picosa or guiso picoso indicates a hot variety; milder versions may be labeled as "poco picante" or "picoso" depending on regional practice. The term is more prevalent in Mexican and other Latin American culinary vocabularies than in Spain, where picante is more standard for spicy.

The usage is informal and regional; readers should expect variable heat levels and nuance in meaning across regions. See also picante, spicy, salsa, salsa picosa.