The word "crusty" is spelled with the letters C-R-U-S-T-Y. It is pronounced /ˈkrʌsti/. The "C" is pronounced as the sound "k", the "R" is pronounced with a single tap of the tongue, the "U" is pronounced as a short "uh" sound, the "S" is pronounced as the sound "s", the "T" is pronounced as a sharp "t" sound, and the "Y" is pronounced with a short "ee" sound at the end. The word "crusty" refers to something that is hard and dry on the surface.
Crusty is an adjective used to describe something or someone that has a hard, dry, or rough outer layer or surface. It signifies a texture or appearance that is characterized by the formation of a thick, solidified material on the surface. This term is frequently used to describe food, particularly bread or pastries, when the outer layers become firm, dry, or tough due to exposure to heat or time. For instance, a loaf of bread left out for a while may develop a crusty exterior, which is often preferred for its added texture.
Additionally, crusty can also describe a person's personality or behavior. It refers to someone who is grumpy, irritable, or difficult to approach or get along with. A crusty individual may have a brusque or surly manner, often displaying a lack of patience or tolerance for others. This term is commonly used to describe an older person, particularly those who are perceived as overly traditional or set in their ways.
In a broader sense, crusty can also be used to describe something that is old-fashioned, outdated, or showing signs of wear and tear. It suggests a condition of neglect or disrepair, where the surface has become rough, cracked, or decayed over time. This definition can refer to physical objects, such as a crusty old building, or more abstract concepts, like a crusty old habit that is no longer relevant or appropriate.
• Ill-tempered.
• Hard; abrupt in manner or speech; ill-tempered.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "crusty" has a few different etymological origins, depending on its specific usage and meaning.
1. In the sense of being rough or having a hard exterior:
This meaning of "crusty" derives from the Old English word "crust", meaning a hard outer layer or covering. The word "crust" can be traced back to the Old Norse word "krostr", which also meant a hard surface or shell. Over time, "crusty" emerged as an adjective to describe something with a rough, hard, or crust-like exterior.
2. In the sense of being irritable or ill-tempered:
This usage of "crusty" is derived from the Middle English word "crusten", meaning to be grumpy, irritable, or cross.