tasty

Tasty is an English adjective describing something with a pleasant taste or flavor, typically food or drink, but it can also be used metaphorically to refer to experiences, designs, or performances that are appealing. The word is formed from the noun taste with the adjectival suffix -y and is attested from the late Middle English period, with the sense of palatability established in the early modern period.

In practice, tasty is most common in informal contexts; in formal writing, terms such as delicious, flavorful, or appetizing are often preferred. It is also used as slang to mean attractive or impressive, especially among younger speakers. The comparative form is tastier and the superlative tastiest.

Tasty can extend beyond flavor to describe sensory qualities such as a “tasty melody” or a “tasty design,” though this usage remains informal and metaphorical. Perception of tastiness is subjective, influenced by individual preferences, cultural background, and genetics that affect taste sensitivity. The term sits within a broader lexical field that includes savory, flavorful, and delicious, as well as slang expressions like scrumptious or mouth-watering, depending on context.

See also: taste; gustation; flavor; palate.