pasty: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal (adjective); Regional/UK-specific (noun).
Quick answer
What does “pasty” mean?
A small, folded pastry case filled with savoury ingredients, typically meat and vegetables.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, folded pastry case filled with savoury ingredients, typically meat and vegetables.
1. (Adjective) Having a pale, unhealthy complexion. 2. (Adjective) Resembling the texture or colour of paste.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'pasty' is primarily a noun for the food item (pronounced /ˈpæsti/). The adjective is also used. In the US, the noun is less common and often refers specifically to a 'Cornish pasty'. The adjective is understood but less frequent.
Connotations
UK: The noun evokes regional cuisine, tradition, and working-class history. US: The noun is an exotic food item. The adjective has negative connotations of sickness or poor health in both varieties.
Frequency
The noun is high-frequency in UK English, especially in relevant contexts (food, Cornwall). It is low-frequency in general US English. The adjective is mid-to-low frequency in both.
Grammar
How to Use “pasty” in a Sentence
[Adj] pasty-faced[Adj] look/become/feel pasty[Noun] eat/have/buy a pastyVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “pasty” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- He looked pasty and tired after the long flight.
- The pasty dough was easy to work with.
American English
- She had a pasty complexion from being indoors all winter.
- The wall was painted a pasty beige.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in food retail/tourism ('pasty sales', 'pasty shop').
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical or cultural studies of Cornwall.
Everyday
Common in UK for the food item. The adjective is used informally to describe appearance.
Technical
In cooking/culinary contexts for the noun.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pasty”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “pasty”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pasty”
- Pronouncing the noun as /ˈpeɪsti/ (like 'paste' + 'y') is a common error. Using the noun in a US context without explanation may cause confusion.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is pronounced /ˈpæsti/ (rhyming with 'nasty'), not /ˈpeɪsti/.
No. A pasty is a filled pastry that is folded over and crimped, not baked in a dish. A pie typically has a pastry base and lid.
No, it can describe any pale, unhealthy-looking skin, and by extension, things that resemble the colour or texture of paste (e.g., 'a pasty white wall').
Yes. Since 2011, 'Cornish pasty' has Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) status in the EU/UK, meaning it must be made in Cornwall to specific standards.
A small, folded pastry case filled with savoury ingredients, typically meat and vegetables.
Pasty is usually informal (adjective); regional/uk-specific (noun). in register.
Pasty: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpæsti/ (noun); /ˈpeɪsti/ (adjective), and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpæsti/ (noun); /ˈpeɪsti/ (adjective). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Pasty-faced (intensified adjective)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
A PASTY is a PASTry that's Yummy (or makes you look Yucky if you eat too many and feel sick).
Conceptual Metaphor
HEALTH IS COLOUR / UNHEALTHY IS PALE (for the adjective).
Practice
Quiz
In which country is the noun 'pasty' most commonly used to refer to a specific regional food item?