Sugar and spice Meaning in English
expression
SHOO-ger and SPYS
SHU-guh and SPYS
Definition
A phrase describing someone, usually a girl, as being very sweet, kind, and gentle. It originates from an old nursery rhyme about what little girls are made of.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used in a light-hearted, sometimes stereotypical way about girls, often to contrast with boys ('snips and snails'). Can be complimentary or playful, but may feel old-fashioned or gendered.
Spanish: dulzura y delicadezaPortuguese (BR): doçura e delicadezaPortuguese (PT): doçura e delicadezaChinese (Simplified): 甜美和温柔Chinese (Traditional): 甜美和溫柔Hindi: मिठास और कोमलताArabic: السكر والتوابل (صفات الفتيات الرقيقة)Bengali: মিষ্টতা ও কোমলতাRussian: сахар и нежностьJapanese: 砂糖とスパイスVietnamese: đường và gia vịKorean: 설탕과 향신료Turkish: şeker ve baharatUrdu: مٹھاس اور نزاکتIndonesian: gula dan rempah-rempah
Example Sentences
She is all sugar and spice.
basic
People say little girls are made of sugar and spice.
basic
Her manners are pure sugar and spice.
basic
Don’t let her sugar and spice personality fool you—she can be tough when needed.
natural
My niece is more mischief than sugar and spice!
natural
Everyone thinks she’s just sugar and spice, but she’s got a wild side too.
natural