salty
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
Used to describe someone who is behaving or expressing themselves in a resentful, bitter, or irritated manner. Originally referred to "racy" or "vulgar" sailors in the 1800s.
Register: informalEra: 2020s
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
• Gen Z / internet register
Sources & notes
Adapted from Wikipedia “Glossary of 2020s slang” (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30). US Gen Z / internet usage.
Common questions
What does “salty” mean?
Used to describe someone who is behaving or expressing themselves in a resentful, bitter, or irritated manner. Originally referred to "racy" or "vulgar" sailors in the 1800s.
Is “salty” formal or informal?
salty is generally informal.