soczysty

Soczysty is a Polish adjective meaning juicy or succulent. It is used to describe foods that retain moisture and have a rich, vibrant flavor, most commonly fruits and meats, but also vegetables or prepared dishes. Beyond its culinary sense, soczysty can denote liveliness and vividness in non-food contexts, such as a "soczysty opis" (a juicy, vivid description) or a "soczysta opowieść" (a rich, engaging tale).

Etymology and form: the word is derived from sok, meaning juice, with a derivational suffix that forms an adjective indicating moisture and abundance. This roots the meaning in the sensory experience of juiciness and moisture.

Usage and examples: common phrases include "soczyste jabłko" (a juicy apple), "soczyste pomarańcze" (juicy oranges), and "soczyste mięso" or "soczysty stek" (juicy meat or steak). In culinary writing, soczysty often conveys desirable texture—tender, moist, and flavorful—rather than dryness. The term can also be used more broadly to emphasize vividness in descriptions of food or even events and storytelling.

Synonyms and related terms include terms referring to moisture and flavor in food, while the noun form "soczystość" denotes juiciness or succulence. The word remains a positive descriptor in standard Polish, frequently found in cooking, food journalism, and descriptive language.