different between pungent vs rammy

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin pungens (stem pungent-), present participle of pungo (“to sting”).

Pronunciation

• enPR: p?nj?nt, IPA^(key): /?p?nd??nt/

Adjective

pungent (comparative more pungent, superlative most pungent)

1. Having a strong odor that stings the nose, said especially of acidic or spicy substances.

   I accidentally dropped the bottle of ammonia and after few seconds, a very pungent stench could be detected.

   • 1991, Paul Chadwick, Concrete: American Christmas, Dark Horse Books

     I can almost smell the fir scent… resinous, pungent.

2. Having a strong taste that stings the tongue, said especially of hot (spicy) food, which has a strong and sharp or bitter taste.
3. (figuratively) Stinging; acerbic.

   The critic gave a pungent review.

4. (botany) Having a sharp and stiff point.

Derived terms

• pungence
• pungently

Translations

Latin

Verb

pungent

1. third-person plural future active indicative of pung?

English

Etymology 1

From ram +? -y.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /??ami/

Adjective

rammy (comparative more rammy, superlative most rammy)

1. (now Britain regional) Of a food, taste, odour etc.: like a ram; pungent, rank.
   • , II.ii.1.1:

     Galen takes exception at mutton, but without question he means that rammy mutton which is in Turkey and Asia Minor […]

2. (US, colloquial) Frisky, lecherous.

Etymology 2

Noun

rammy (plural rammies)

1. (Scotland) A disorderly argument or disturbance; a fracas.