soapy

American  

[soh-pee] / ˈsoʊ pi /

adjective

soapier, soapiest

1. containing or impregnated with soap.

   soapy water.

2. covered with soap or lather.

   soapy dishes.

3. of the nature of soap; resembling soap.

   a soft, soapy fiber.

4. pertaining to or characteristic of soap.

   a clean, soapy smell.

5. Informal. characteristic or reminiscent of a soap opera; melodramatic; corny.

   a soapy plot.

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soapy British  

/ ˈsəʊpɪ /

adjective

1. containing or covered with soap

   soapy water

2. resembling or characteristic of soap

3. slang flattering or persuasive

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noun

1. a variant of soapie

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• soapily
  adverb
• soapiness
  noun

Etymology

Origin of soapy

First recorded in 1600–10; soap + -y ¹

Explanation

Things that have soap in (or on) them are soapy, and things that resemble soap because they're frothy or foamy are also soapy. Your cat won't be happy if you pet him with your soapy hands, and you won't be happy if your hot chocolate tastes vaguely soapy. Another way to use this adjective is to mean "overly flattering and fake." The soapy compliment you give your teacher will be just as distasteful to your classmates as that soapy hot chocolate was to you.

Example Sentences

The arrival of the soapy “Scream 7” is a rare example of a 1990s cultural artifact that has survived, though its pulse is weakening.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

“The Pitt” is already one of the best shows in TV, “Industry” is soapy fun and “A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms” looks intriguing.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 31, 2025

I downloaded the app and asked what my wife wants for Christmas: cheap jewelry and a soapy gift box with Rudolph socks.

From Barron's • Nov. 26, 2025

If the eggs touched any surface or items in your home, wash the areas — along with your hands — with hot soapy water.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 28, 2025

I step over to her and hug her, my soapy hands dripping on the floor.

From "Love, Hate & Other Filters" by Samira Ahmed