aftertaste

[af-ter-teyst, ahf-]

noun

1. a taste remaining after the substance causing it is no longer in the mouth.

2. the remaining sensation following an unpleasant experience, incident, etc..

   the aftertaste of a bad marriage.

aftertaste

/ ˈɑːftəˌteɪst /

noun

1. a taste that lingers on after eating or drinking

2. a lingering impression or sensation

Word History and Origins

Origin of aftertaste¹

First recorded in 1820–30; after + taste

Example Sentences

The first episode "left a slightly sour taste in the mouth", she added - a sentiment echoed by the Independent's Nick Hilton, who wrote that the series is "tinged with a strange, bitter aftertaste".

From BBC

MPs did their best to show the problem was now solved, but this crisis has left behind an unpleasant aftertaste.

From BBC

But if “Not Alone Anymore” can sometimes lean too heavily on uplifting sentiment, Matlin’s story possesses a bittersweet aftertaste.

From Los Angeles Times

It never lingers too long and is just sweet enough in its displays to avoid any saccharine aftertaste or eye-rolling sentiment.

From Los Angeles Times

Depending on how closely you follow “SNL” and its notoriously hard working conditions, “Written By” has a similarly bitter aftertaste to it too.

From Salon

Related Words

• aftereffect 
• reaction