gamey

IPA/ˈɡeɪmi/
IPA/ˈɡeɪmi/

gamey — adjective

  • gameypositive
  • gameyercomparative
  • gameyestsuperlative

1. having the rich, sharp smell or flavor of wild meat, often after it has been kep

1.形容詞C1
釋義

having the rich, sharp smell or flavor of wild meat, often after it has been kept for a time.

例句

The stew tasted gamey because the deer meat had hung for days.

linking verb: taste + gamey

Joaquín found the rabbit too gamey, so he added wine and herbs.

pattern: find + meat + gamey

同義詞
  • musky

    can describe an animal-like smell, but not specifically the taste of meat

  • rank

    is more strongly negative and often suggests something almost rotten

  • strong-tasting

    is broader and does not point to wild meat in particular

反義詞
  • mild

    describes food with a gentle smell or flavor

  • delicate

    suggests a light, fine taste rather than a heavy wild one

文法句型

taste gamey

smell gamey

gamey + meat

用法筆記

Usually said about meat from wild birds or animals, and often carries a slightly negative opinion. It is not the normal word for food that is merely spicy or fishy.

常見錯誤

❌The soup was gamey because it had too much pepper.
✅The rabbit stew was gamey because the meat had a strong wild smell.
💡use this sense for a wild-meat smell or taste, not for any strong seasoning.

2. showing a bold, ready spirit when something risky or hard happens.

2.形容詞C2
釋義

showing a bold, ready spirit when something risky or hard happens.

例句

The gamey boxer kept moving forward after a hard punch.

pattern: gamey + person

Even with waves rising fast, Samir stayed gamey at the wheel.

linking verb: stay + gamey

同義詞
  • brave

    is the broad everyday word and does not sound rare or old-fashioned

  • plucky

    suggests cheerful courage, especially from someone small or weak

  • gutsy

    is more informal and stresses nerve

反義詞
  • timid

    shows a lack of courage in the same situation

  • cautious

    focuses on avoiding risk rather than rushing toward it

文法句型

be gamey

stay gamey

gamey + person/animal

用法筆記

Much rarer than everyday brave or gutsy. It is used for a person or animal that stays bold when facing danger, pain, or another hard test.

常見錯誤

❌I'm gamey to help tonight.
✅I'm game to help tonight.
💡everyday English usually uses 'game' for simple willingness; this rare sense of 'gamey' stresses bold courage.

3. slightly dirty, scandalous, or sexually suggestive in a way that attracts notice

3.形容詞C1
釋義

slightly dirty, scandalous, or sexually suggestive in a way that attracts notice.

例句

The tabloid printed a gamey story about the mayor and his aide.

collocation: gamey story

Jack laughed at the gamey joke, but his aunt looked annoyed.

collocation: gamey joke

同義詞
  • racy

    usually points more directly to sexual suggestion

  • scandalous

    is broader and often sounds more severe or moralizing

  • sleazy

    is more strongly negative and suggests low taste

反義詞
  • decent

    stays within accepted social limits

  • clean

    contains no improper or sexual hint

文法句型

gamey + joke/story/photo

sound gamey

too gamey

用法筆記

Often used about jokes, stories, pictures, or remarks that feel a bit improper rather than openly obscene. It can suggest gossip and scandal as much as sex.

常見錯誤

❌The action film is gamey because it has many fights.
✅The tabloid article is gamey because it hints at an affair.
💡this sense is about improper or sexually suggestive material, not ordinary excitement.