secco

Secco is an Italian term meaning dry. It is used across different fields to indicate lack of moisture or sweetness, and sometimes to signal a specific stylistic approach. The word is found in culinary, artistic, and musical contexts as well as in personal names.

In gastronomy and oenology, secco commonly describes dryness in foods and wines. A wine labeled secco is dry, with little to no residual sugar. Some classifications also use semi-secco to denote off-dry wines, while dolce indicates sweetness. The term helps communicate level of sweetness to consumers, especially in Italian-speaking regions.

In art, fresco secco (dry fresco) refers to a technique in which pigments are applied to dry plaster, using an available binder. This contrasts with buon fresco (true fresco), where pigments are applied to freshly laid, damp plaster and bind with the lime as it dries. Fresco secco can be used to add details or corrections after the original painting has dried.

In music, recitativo secco, or secco recitative, denotes a speech-like vocal style that advances the plot through measured, nearly spoken lines accompanied sparsely by a basso continuo. It contrasts with recitativo accompagnato, which uses fuller orchestral support. The term reflects the “dry”, lean texture of the accompaniment and delivery.

As a surname, Secco exists in Italy and among people of Italian descent. The word’s broad use across language, art, and music underlines its core meaning of dryness or a restrained, minimal character.