tartu
B1Informal (adj.), Neutral (noun)
Definition
Meaning
A small open pastry case with a sweet or savory filling.
(Adj.) Sour or sharp in taste; or (informal, of a person) sharp, biting, or cutting in manner.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun primarily refers to a type of food. The adjective sense describing taste is standard; the sense describing a person is informal and often used disapprovingly, primarily for women.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun is used identically. The informal adjective sense ('sharp-tongued') is more common in US usage.
Connotations
In informal use, often carries a gendered connotation (e.g., 'tart remark' more likely attributed to a woman).
Frequency
Noun: equally common. Adjective (informal): slightly more frequent in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
ADJ: taste ~ | be ~ to the tasteADJ (informal): be ~ with someone | a ~ remarkVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “tart up (BrE informal): to decorate or make something smarter in a showy or tasteless way.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except potentially in food industry.
Academic
Rare; culinary or historical contexts.
Everyday
Common for food; informal adjective use in social commentary.
Technical
Culinary/baking terminology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They decided to tart up the old cafe with some new paint and lights.
American English
- She tarted up her presentation with too many flashy graphics.
adverb
British English
- 'You're late,' she said tartly.
American English
- He replied tartly, dismissing the idea.
adjective
British English
- These apples are too tart for eating raw.
- Her tart observation left everyone speechless.
American English
- The lemonade had a pleasantly tart flavor.
- He's known for his tart sense of humor.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I ate a strawberry tart for dessert.
- This yogurt is a bit tart.
- She bought a fruit tart from the bakery.
- His tart comments often upset people.
- The chef prepared a delicate pear and almond tart.
- Despite her tart exterior, she was quite kind-hearted.
- The critic's review was dismissed as being unduly tart and personal.
- The tartness of the granny smith apples balanced the sweetness of the caramel perfectly.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
TART: Think of a sharp, sour Taste And a Rude Remark Together.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURNESS IS DISAPPROVAL / A SHARP TASTE IS A SHARP TONGUE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'торт' (cake). 'Tart' is an open pastry, not a layered cake. The adjective 'tart' is not the same as 'тарталетка' (a small tart).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'tart' to mean any cake (incorrect). Overusing the informal adjective in formal writing.
Practice
Quiz
In British informal English, 'to tart something up' means to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in its informal use, it describes someone as sharply critical or sarcastic, and is generally negative.
A tart is open-faced, shallow, and often with sweet filling. A pie can be open or covered, deep or shallow, sweet or savoury. A flan is similar to a tart but often specifically refers to a dish with a pastry base and an open filling, sometimes with a caramel topping.
Yes, but primarily in British informal English in the phrasal verb 'tart up' meaning to decorate or make something smarter in a showy or cheap way.
The noun (food) is standard. The adjective meaning 'sharp-tasting' is standard. The adjective meaning 'sharp-tongued' is informal. The verb 'tart up' is informal/BrE slang. An unrelated, offensive slang noun use exists ('promiscuous woman'), which should be avoided.