pretzel
A pretzel is a type of baked pastry made from dough that is commonly shaped into a unique, knotted form. It is traditionally seasoned with coarse salt and has a distinctive, slightly chewy texture with a browned, crisp exterior. In conversation, the word is often used to describe the snack itself or the shape of the knot. You will frequently hear it in contexts involving casual dining, movie theater snacks, or even to describe someone's body being twisted into an awkward or complex position during exercise or an accident.
In conversation
At a movie theater concession stand
Should we get a large popcorn or a soft pretzel to share?
Should we get a large popcorn or a soft pretzel to share?
Definitely the pretzel, as long as it comes with the cheese dip.
Definitely the pretzel, as long as it comes with the cheese dip.
Commonly paired with 'soft' or 'hard' to specify the texture.
After a difficult yoga class
My instructor had us twisted like a pretzel today.
My instructor had us twisted like a pretzel today.
I feel that! My back is still knotted up.
I feel that! My back is still knotted up.
Used metaphorically to describe being contorted.
Examples
I bought a salty pretzel at the mall.
I bought a salty pretzel at the mall.
The soft, warm pretzel was covered in melted butter and coarse salt.
The soft, warm pretzel was covered in melted butter and coarse salt.
After the car accident, the metal frame of the vehicle was twisted into a pretzel.
After the car accident, the metal frame of the vehicle was twisted into a pretzel.
