Mala

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈmeɪ.lə/

Definitions

1. A state of discomfort or discontent that affects one's overall well-being
2. A general sense of physical or mental unrest that diminishes one's comfort
3. An experience of distress or dissatisfaction impacting personal health or mood

Etymology: In Mandarin, 麻辣 ("málà") pairs two characters: 麻 ("má"), meaning numbing, and 辣 ("là"), meaning spicy or hot. Together they describe the distinctive tingling heat of Sichuan peppercorns, which numbs the mouth even as chilli burns it. The combined term names both the flavour and the style of cooking built around it. English borrowed the term directly from Mandarin, and it now appears as "mala," most often in the phrase "mala hotpot," where a broth is seasoned with those two elements. The English form keeps the sound of the Chinese original, though the stressed syllable has shifted to suit English speech.

Synonyms: bad, evil

Antonyms: good, virtuous