gamey

IPA/ˈɡeɪmi/
IPA/ˈɡeɪmi/

gamey — adjective

  • gameypositive
  • gameyercomparative
  • gameyestsuperlative

1. used to describe meat from a wild animal or bird that was hunted, having a much

1.形容詞B2
釋義

used to describe meat from a wild animal or bird that was hunted, having a much stronger and more noticeable flavour or smell than meat from animals raised on a farm

例句

The pheasant stew had a gamey flavour that Andrés found surprisingly pleasant.

collocation: gamey flavour

Some cooks soak the meat in milk before cooking to reduce its gamey taste.

collocation: gamey taste

同義詞
  • gamy

    Alternate spelling of the same word; less common in modern writing.

  • strong-tasting

    More general; does not specifically refer to wild meat.

反義詞
  • mild

    Describes food with a gentle, subtle flavour — the opposite of gamey.

用法筆記

Often used to describe a flavour that some people enjoy while others find it too strong. The word is neutral — it is not necessarily negative.

常見錯誤

The meat tasted very game.
The meat tasted very gamey.
💡'Game' is a noun meaning wild animals; 'gamey' is the adjective describing their taste.

2. showing courage and determination when doing something that involves risk, diffi

2.形容詞C1
釋義

showing courage and determination when doing something that involves risk, difficulty, or danger

例句

It was a gamey move by Noor to volunteer for the dangerous rescue mission.

collocation: gamey move

The old fisherman was too gamey to give up sailing after the accident.

gamey + to-infinitive

同義詞
  • plucky

    More common in modern English; similar meaning of determined courage.

  • spirited

    Suggests energy and enthusiasm more than willingness to face danger.

  • game

    The same root word; 'game' as an adjective means ready and willing, while 'gamey' emphasises bravery under threat.

反義詞
  • cowardly

    Describes someone who lacks courage — the direct opposite.

文法句型

gamey + to-infinitive

用法筆記

This sense is old-fashioned in modern English, used mostly in British English and often in storytelling or admiring descriptions of someone's character.

常見錯誤

She is gamey to try the new sport.
She is game to try the new sport.
💡'Game' (adjective) means ready and willing; 'gamey' means brave in the face of danger, not simply eager.

3. containing or suggesting sexual subjects or images in a way that some people fin

3.形容詞C1
釋義

containing or suggesting sexual subjects or images in a way that some people find amusing while others might consider it slightly improper

例句

The comedian told a few gamey jokes that made the adults at the wedding laugh.

collocation: gamey jokes

Nia found the novel too gamey for her taste and put it down.

collocation: too gamey

同義詞
  • racy

    More common synonym; slightly stronger suggestion of sexual content.

  • risqué

    Borrowed from French; suggests content that is slightly shocking or close to being offensive.

  • saucy

    More playful and less sexual; suggests cheeky humour rather than sexual suggestion.

反義詞
  • wholesome

    Describes content that is morally good and suitable for all audiences.

  • decent

    Describes content that follows accepted standards of morality.

用法筆記

Used mainly to describe comedy, writing, films, or performances. Less strong than words like 'obscene' or 'pornographic' — it suggests playful impropriety rather than outright offensiveness.

常見錯誤

The movie was gamey and disgusting.
The movie had some racy scenes.
💡'Gamey' in this sense implies playful sexual suggestion, not full-on explicit content.