sweet-and-sour

sweet-and-sour (comparative more sweet-and-sour, superlative most sweet-and-sour)

1. (cooking) Between sweet and sour taste.
2. Having both positive and negative traits, or inspiring conflicting good and bad feelings.
   • 1982, Ward's Auto World (volume 18, issues 1-6, page 65)

     Like an accordion at a country wedding producing sweet-and-sour notes, some importers are expanding their U.S. retail automotive operations while others are skinnying down.

   • 2014, Lloyd E. McIlveen, Improving on Love and Relationships

     Humans utilize a kind of sweet and sour blend of love potion called charm.

• sweet-and-sour sauce

• (inspiring good and bad feelings): bittersweet

• barbecue sauce