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

While Gamay wines can certainly leave a bitter aftertaste, Philip's assertion over its ill-effects on health — one that he never tested himself, for he had only "heard" of such effects — were based on a misconception that bad-tasting wine was not just unpleasant, but also dangerous to its customers, in contrast to the ordinance's description of Pinot Noir as "most suitable for nourishing and sustaining human beings."

From Salon

The long, drawn-out process to get to this point is likely to leave a bitter aftertaste, and will not quickly change Orban’s reputation as a troublemaker more interested in cozying up to Putin than in supporting the alliance.

From New York Times

She said the stench was so bad it felt "stuck in the back of my throat like a bad aftertaste".

From BBC

"It ruined my day because even when I was indoors, every time the lift opened, the smell spilled over into the office and it stuck in the back of my throat like a bad aftertaste," Ms Bashing said.

From BBC

It has the class-traitor aftertaste of rooting for the Walt Disney Corp., even if it’s because it’s up against Gov. Ron DeSantis.

From Slate

Related Words

• aftereffect
• reaction