What does charcuterie mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈʃɑːrkuːˈtɛri/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A French term referring to a selection of cured, smoked, and cooked meats, such as sausages, bacon, and pâté, often served with accompaniments like cheese, crackers, and fruit.

Examples

• The restaurant offered a charcuterie board with prosciutto and brie.
• The charcuterie shop sold a variety of artisanal meats and cheeses.

Synonyms

• Cured meats
• Meat platter

Antonyms

• Fresh meat
• Vegetarian platter

Additional Information

Charcuterie is often served as an appetizer or snack, and its popularity has led to the creation of charcuterie boards and grazing tables. The term “charcuterie” comes from the French words “chair” meaning “flesh” and “cuit” meaning “cooked”.

Charcuterie has become a trendy food option in recent years, with many restaurants and food establishments offering their own versions of charcuterie boards and platters.

In addition to meats, charcuterie often includes accompaniments like crackers, bread, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and spreads, which add to the overall flavor and texture experience.

Etymology

The term “charcuterie” originates from the French words “chair” meaning “flesh” and “cuit” meaning “cooked”. It refers to the art of preparing and preserving meats, which dates back to the 15th century in France.

Usage Notes

When referring to a specific selection of meats, use the phrase “charcuterie board” or “charcuterie platter”. When referring to the art of preparing and preserving meats, use the phrase “charcuterie-making” or “charcuterie craft”.

Cultural References

Charcuterie has been featured in several movies and TV shows, including the popular Netflix series “Nailed It!” and the movie “Julie & Julia”.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Meat and greet”: a play on words combining “meat” and “meet” to describe a social gathering featuring charcuterie.

Related Words or Phrases

• Cured meats
• Smoked meats
• Artisanal meats

Collocations

• Charcuterie board
• Charcuterie platter
• Artisanal charcuterie

Frequency of Use

According to Google Trends, the term “charcuterie” has seen a significant increase in usage over the past decade, with a peak in popularity in 2020.

Common Misspellings

• Charcuterie (missing accents)
• Charcutire
• Charcuterie