Pasty is a noun that primarily refers to a baked dish consisting of pastry filled with a savory filling. It is typically a small, crescent-shaped piece of pastry that encloses a variety of ingredients such as meat, vegetables, cheese, and sometimes sauce. Pasties are often associated with British cuisine, particularly the Cornish pasty, which is a renowned regional specialty from Cornwall. Traditionally, this type of pasty typically contains diced beef, onion, potato, and swede (yellow turnip), seasoned with salt and pepper.
The word "pasty" can also be, but less commonly, used as an adjective to describe a complexion or skin tone that is pale or pallid. It is often associated with a sickly or unhealthy appearance, typically due to a lack of sunlight or anemia. This particular usage is more poetic or literary, and not as common in everyday language.
Furthermore, "pasty" is also used to describe a characteristic of certain substances, mainly referring to a thick, sticky, or adhesive consistency. This may apply, for example, to certain paints, glues, or certain textures of cosmetic products like creams or lotions. In this context, "pasty" conveys a texture that is dense and difficult to spread smoothly.
