Definition of crispy

The word "crispy" has a fascinating history rooted in the sounds of nature. It's believed to have originated from the Old French word "crispe," meaning "curled" or "wavy." This term itself likely came from the Latin "crispus," which referred to the curly hair of a person or animal. However, the connection to the sound of something crunchy comes from the way "crispe" was used in Old French to describe the sound of crackling fire or rustling leaves. Over time, this association with a crisp, crackling sound was transferred to the texture of food, leading to the modern meaning of "crispy" as a descriptor for a delightful crunch.