also: こしがある
expression, noun-modifying (irregular)
pleasantly chewy; firm and elastic
Describes the ideal texture of noodles, pasta, or similar foods: springy, resilient, and satisfying to chew. Common in food reviews and menus.
This ramen is proud of its pleasantly chewy noodles.
expression, noun-modifying (irregular)
springy and resilient; full-bodied
Extended use for hair, sound, or other things that have body, bounce, or resilience. Often used in beauty or audio contexts.
Do you like udon with a firm, elastic texture?
To maintain springy, resilient hair, treatment is important.
This speaker reproduces full-bodied bass.
Kana spelling is standard; katakana コシ is common in food contexts.
Kanji spelling; less common but still used.
From 腰 (こし, 'lower back; hip') metaphorically extended to mean 'substance, resilience, body'. The expression 腰がある/腰のある originally meant 'having backbone' and came to describe springy texture.