Salty

Definition:

Describes someone who is visibly upset, bitter, or agitated, particularly when they're being defensive or resentful about a loss, criticism, or perceived slight

Context:

"Salty" as slang has origins dating back to 1938 in relation to angry sailors, but it gained significant traction in the early 2000s through Philadelphia street culture and later exploded in popularity through online gaming communities. While initially used primarily to describe players who were upset after losing competitive matches, the term has evolved beyond gaming culture into broader everyday contexts.

It's often used ironically or playfully to call out someone's disproportionate emotional reaction to minor setbacks or criticism, with the term itself serving as a mild form of teasing that can either diffuse tension or, ironically, make the "salty" person even more annoyed.

Example:

^{(all names & events in the
following scenario have been made
up)}

Zak: “Ugh, I'm so salty about this parking ticket!”

Myke: “Well did you park illegally?”

Zak: “Maybe... but that's beside the point!”