Confusing words explained
“pricy” vs “pricey” — What’s the Difference?
Pricey (with the e) is by far the more common spelling in modern American and British English, used in newspapers, restaurant reviews and editorial writing. Pricy (no e) is an older, less common variant accepted in some dictionaries but rarely seen today. Both mean the same — costly or expensive — only the e differs.
Key takeaway
Quick Difference: pricy vs pricey
Pricey (with the e) is by far the more common spelling in modern American and British English, used in newspapers, restaurant reviews and editorial writing. Pricy (no e) is an older, less common variant accepted in some dictionaries but rarely seen today. Both mean the same — costly or expensive — only the e differs.
pricy vs pricey Side-by-Side Comparison
Meaning of pricy
Meaning of pricey
costing a lot of money
Something is pricey when it costs lots of cash. It's informal—use in chats, not essays.
Use in casual conversation and informal writing, not formal contexts.
- That restaurant is very pricey.
- The hotel was nice but pricey.
Usage Notes & Nuance
pricey: Common in American and British English with slightly complaining tone.
How to Remember the Difference
Pricey is the popular spelling — keep the e from price.
Common Mistakes with pricy and pricey
Mistake with pricey
Correct: Use 'expensive' in formal contexts.
Mistake with pricey
Correct: The correct spelling is 'pricey'.
Practice Quiz: pricy or pricey?
Choose the word that best completes each real example sentence.
Question 1
That restaurant is very _____.
Question 2
The hotel was nice but _____.
Question 3
Designer clothes are often _____.
Pick at least one answer, then press Check answers to see how you did.
You scored 0 out of 3
Frequently Asked Questions About pricy vs pricey
What’s the difference between “pricy” and “pricey”?
Pricey (with the e) is by far the more common spelling in modern American and British English, used in newspapers, restaurant reviews and editorial writing. Pricy (no e) is an older, less common variant accepted in some dictionaries but rarely seen today. Both mean the same — costly or expensive — only the e differs.
When should I use “pricey”?
Use in casual conversation and informal writing, not formal contexts.
How can I remember pricy vs pricey?
Pricey is the popular spelling — keep the e from price.
Is it “pricy” or “pricey” in example sentences?
Use the quiz above to test the pair with real example sentences from the available word data.