Empalagar
/em-pah-lah-GAHR/
Meaning
To empalagar goes beyond simply being 'too sweet.' It describes the cloying, overwhelming sensation that occurs when something, often a dessert or a very sweet drink, becomes excessively saccharine to the point of being nauseating or unpleasant. It captures that moment when the initial delight of sweetness turns into a heavy, almost sickly feeling, making you crave something savory or simply stop eating altogether. This sensation is deeply tied to the enjoyment of sweets and the cultural appreciation for balanced flavors in Spanish-speaking cuisines.
Literal Translation
To clog up / to sugar over
How It's Used
Typically used to describe food or drink that is excessively sweet, to the point of being unpleasant or sickening.