WordGarden.iodrippy
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /drˈɪpi/
US
- /drˈɪpi/
Meanings
Adjective
(slang)stylish or flashy, especially in clothing, jewelry, or overall look
wet enough to drip or likely to let liquid fall in drops
(informal)overly sentimental, weak, or insipid
Beyond the definition
"Drippy" is not just about water. It can describe something that is literally dripping, like a leaky faucet, a melting popsicle, or a wet umbrella. It can also describe something that feels too emotional or too sweet, like a movie scene that tries very hard to make you cry. In some cases, it can suggest something messy or poorly done.
The word often brings to mind a small, steady kind of wetness rather than a huge flow. You would not usually call a waterfall drippy. In modern slang, though, "drippy" can mean very stylish, especially when talking about clothes or appearance.
The word "drippy" moves in a few different directions, and context matters a lot. In the most literal sense, it describes something that is wet, leaking, or giving off drops of liquid. A faucet that will not stop, a melting ice cream cone, a soaked sleeve, or a roof with water coming through can all be described this way. The feeling is usually of small, unwanted drops rather than a strong rush of water.
The word also has an older figurative use. It can describe something that feels too sentimental, too soft, or too eager to stir emotion. A song with tired love lyrics, a play with overly tearful scenes, or a speech that sounds weak and sugary might be called "drippy." In this sense, the word is usually critical. It suggests that the emotion does not feel strong or honest enough to carry the moment well.
Sometimes "drippy" can also suggest a messy or sloppy look. Paint running down a surface, glue hanging in thin strands, or food falling off a sandwich may all give a drippy impression. Here, the word points to a lack of neatness or control.
In modern slang, especially around fashion and online culture, "drippy" can mean stylish or impressively dressed. This use comes from "drip," a slang word for style, especially bold or expensive-looking style. In that setting, calling someone "drippy" is praise. So the same word can sound negative, descriptive, or admiring, depending on whether you are talking about leaks, emotion, mess, or fashion.
Examples
- 1
Melting food
Be careful with that ice cream cone on a hot day; it gets drippy fast.
- 2
Runny nose
I need a tissue because my nose has been drippy since this morning.
- 3
Leaky faucet
The old kitchen faucet is still drippy, even after I turned it off.
- 4
Sentimental tone
I like love stories, but that movie was a bit too drippy for me.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- drippyadjective