Beyond its culinary meaning, it's often used to express an emotion derived from the English slang term "salty." It's used to wittily convey being annoyed over something minor or feeling pouty and jealous.

It's particularly famous as a meme for taunting a defeated opponent in online games or expressing bitterness over an unfair loss. Like asking, "Why so salty?" when someone overreacts, it's effective for humorously expressing negative emotions.