Gamey

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˈɡeɪmi/

Definitions

1. Exhibiting a robust and often game-like flavor typical of certain meats
2. Presenting an intimate, often strong aroma that may be considered off-putting in various foods
3. Tasting strongly of wild or hunted animal meat, often with a distinctive richness ; having a potent scent that can be sharp or off-putting to some people

Etymology: Gamey is a plain formation: the noun "game" (meaning wild animal meat hunted for food) with the suffix "-y", which turns a noun into an adjective meaning "having the qualities of" or "tinged with". So "gamey" describes meat that tastes of game, with the strong, slightly wild flavour that hunted birds and deer were thought to have, rather than the milder taste of farmed animals. The root "game" has an ancient lineage, traceable back through Old English "gamen" (joy, sport, amusement) to a Proto-Germanic base, so the word originally meant play or fun before narrowing to hunted quarry. The suffix "-y" is an old Germanic ending, which is why it attaches so readily to ordinary English nouns.

Synonyms: wild, strong-flavored, unconventional, robust, earthy

Antonyms: bland, mild, tasteless, unseasoned, ordinary