pasty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pasty" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is pale, lacking color, or resembling paste in texture, often in reference to skin or food. Example: "After spending the entire winter indoors, her skin had taken on a pasty appearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Cornish pasty rebel George Eustice, MP for Camborne and Redruth, a former Hague press secretary and defector from Ukip, is part of the team.

The Guardian

He reckons they would have fulfilled much the same function as a pasty in this country – the perfect portable, high-energy snack for a day's work in the fields or out on fishing boats.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Its principal measures had been briefed beforehand, leaving people to digest the "pasty tax".

The Guardian

"And the odd Cornish pasty and fish and chips".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The word, originally coined by the writers of the political satire The Thick of It, and adopted by the Labour leader, Ed Miliband, to describe the caravan and pasty taxes and other political blunders and U-turns of the government's 2012 budget, has made it into the Oxford Dictionaries online.

The Guardian

We walked along the talcum-white sand, marvelling at the early-morning activity: fishermen, basket weavers, dog walkers, all revelling in the island's bounty as much as five pasty gawpers who'd arrived from Gatwick less than eight hours earlier.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

A columnist describes Vicky Pollard, an archetypal chav created for a TV comedy programme, as emblematic of the aforementioned "dismal ineducables" and "pasty-faced, lard-gutted slappers" supposedly infesting the nation's public housing.

The Economist

Changes in eating habits are part of it, says Larry File of the Cornish Pasty Association (CPA), who reckons pasties are the perfect lunch for time-pressed workers.

The Economist

The state is also fairly ethnically and racially homogenous something one can't help but notice amid all the pasty-faced computer programmers at PorcFest.The question then becomes what to do about places where gun violence is more common, such as Chicago, where urban poverty, poor schools, higher unemployment and racial friction create an often toxic mix.

The Economist

It plays out kind of the same way.This sets up Mr Franken's joke about the likelihood of electing a Jewish president.Forget that he's humorless and pasty-looking.

The Economist

The domestic market runs from school trips to slightly riskier "adrenalin sports", such as white-water rafting and cliff-jumping, and full-blast "survival schools", where pasty-faced desk-jockeys learn how to skin rabbits and live off the land, under the supervision of a grizzled instructor with a military background.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing skin tone, use "pasty" to indicate a lack of color, but be mindful of potential negative connotations related to health or attractiveness. Consider alternatives like "fair" or "light-skinned" for a more neutral description.

Common error

Avoid using "pasty" when a more specific and accurate descriptor is available. For example, instead of saying "the sauce was pasty", specify whether it was "thick", "lumpy", or "gluey".

Linguistic Context

The word "pasty" functions as both an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it describes something that is pale or has a texture like paste. As a noun, it refers to a type of pie. Ludwig confirms the multiple uses of the word.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

24%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

6%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "pasty" functions as both an adjective and a noun, denoting either a pale or paste-like quality or a type of savory pie, respectively. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in both contexts. Its frequency is notably high in news and media and encyclopedic sources. When describing skin tone, consider the potential for negative connotations and opt for more neutral alternatives like "fair" or "light-skinned" when appropriate. Be mindful of overusing "pasty" when a more specific descriptor can provide greater clarity. Always consider the context to ensure precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pastelike

Directly compares something to the texture or appearance of paste.

pale

Focuses specifically on the lack of color, particularly in the face or skin.

pallid

Emphasizes an unhealthy or sickly paleness.

wan

Suggests a pale and feeble appearance, often due to illness or fatigue.

doughy

Describes a soft, pale, and often unhealthy appearance, similar to raw dough.

viscous

Highlights the thick, sticky consistency, like paste.

sticky

Focuses on the adhesive quality, similar to paste.

glutinous

Refers to a glue-like or sticky texture, often in food.

cream-colored

Indicates a pale, off-white color.

lacking color

General description of the absence of vibrant hues.

FAQs

How can I describe someone's complexion without using "pasty"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you could use terms like "pale", "fair", "light-skinned", or "wan". The best choice will depend on the reason for the lack of color, such as illness, lack of sun exposure, or natural complexion.

Is it offensive to describe someone as "pasty"?

While not inherently offensive, using "pasty" to describe someone's skin tone can carry negative connotations, suggesting they are unhealthy or unattractive. Consider using more neutral terms like "fair" or "light-skinned" to avoid potential offense.

What does "pasty" mean when referring to food?

When describing food, "pasty" typically refers to a texture that is thick, sticky, and resembles paste. For example, mashed potatoes that are not properly cooked may be described as "pasty". In some regions, "pasty" also refers to a type of baked pie, especially a Cornish pasty.

What are some synonyms for "pasty" when describing texture?

Synonyms for "pasty" when describing texture include "viscous", "sticky", "gluey", and "glutinous". The best choice will depend on the specific texture you are trying to convey.