chalky

[chaw-kee]

adjective

chalkier, chalkiest 

1. of or like chalk.

2. of a chalklike consistency.

   chalky soil.

3. without resonance, color, warmth, etc..

   several high tones that were quite chalky.

4. Photography.,  lacking in detail, due to extreme contrast.

   a chalky print.

5. Sports Slang.,  relating to the competitor considered most likely to win by the oddsmakers.

   Sports betting is boring if all you make are chalky picks—put some money on a long shot and live a little!

Other Word Forms

• chalkiness noun
• nonchalky adjective
• unchalky adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chalky¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English chalki, chalky; chalk, -y ¹

Example Sentences

The food was OK, alas — a passable brisket burrito, chalky queso, insipid guacamole.

From Los Angeles Times

Vodka, milk and raw crow eggs — a chalky, frothing elixir high in what they proudly dubbed crowtein.

From Salon

Aryan loved the roaring sound of the engine fill the air and then grow louder as the plane cruised above him, leaving behind chalky threads of contrail in the sky,

From BBC

DEA agents who searched Todorova’s apartment said they found several stockpiles of plastic bowls containing colorful pills and powders — beside them, packing materials and kitchen scales with chalky residue.

From Los Angeles Times

“Sometimes, it can be a little more dry and the ball can feel a little more chalky, for sure.”

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• milky