8 Annoying Food Descriptions
Are you guilty of utilizing these words/phrases to describe that tantalizing cake you made last week? To rave about that incredible new restaurant that opened recently? Well, if you have, you're annoying, and we want you to stop.![]()
Flickr: StarbuckGuy
1) Nom Nom Nom
To people who use this recently coined term to describe how much you liked your meal: Are you related to Cookie Monster? What does this mean, exactly? Is it an onomatopoeia? Lastly, what the hell is wrong with you?
2) Cooked to perfection (thanks to yelp for this one)
Still not sure why this bothers us, just that it does. While it's a valid description, one person's view of perfection might differ greatly with that of another. We, for instance, prefer our steaks medium rare, while other ignorant fools actually think the charred ruins of a good piece of beef are best when eaten well done.
Also annoying on menu descriptions. Any restaurant describing a dish as "cooked to perfection," is just setting the diner up for probable disappointment.
3) Rustic
It took us a while to catch on to this one. We finally figured out that it means, "chopped roughly." It's essentially a term to describe either home cooking-type dishes, or things with large chunks of meat and vegetables.
The "official" term, according to Merriam-Webster online: of, relating to, or suitable for the country. Therefore, our theory is that "rustic" should only be used to describe things containing ham hocks, milk from a glass jar and pig's feet.
4) Cloying
Maybe our annoyance stems from a surge of usage of this term from the is-she-or-isn't-she annoying Chopped judge, Alex Guarnaschelli, to describe the competitors' dessert dishes. Perhaps it's just because the term sounds too intellectual to describe something as "too sweet." Whatever the case, just stop using it...please.
5) Sublime
Hyperbole is funny at times (guys do love exaggeration humor), but people that use this term are usually sincere in their earnest and zealous depictions of certain meals that are, apparently, very, very good. So next time, just say, "It was very, very good," and spare us the annoyance. Thanks.
6) Ethereal
Yep, we've been guilty of this one for SURE. We have annoyed ourselves more than once when describing something light, airy and usually shrimp-containing (which, in hindsight, is actually pretty strange). For the record, we apologize.
Here's the definition, once again from Merriam-Webster online: marked by unusual delicacy or refinement.
7) Juxtaposition of flavors
Add to this one: a balance of sweet and salty, the savory-sweet combination, or any version thereof.
If you continue to use this one, we'll juxtapose your face. So there.
8) Sexy
Really, there's absolutely no reason...ever...to describe any food as "sexy."
Things that are, in fact, sexy: Tyler Florence (who has, at times, unsexily used the term "sexy" to describe food), stiletto heels, boxer-briefs, Penelope Cruz and your mom (booyah!).


7 comment(s)
Can we add "comfort food" to this list?
Posted On: Wednesday, Apr. 7 2010 @ 7:37AMInteresting, I've learned several new terms that should annoy me! Thanks for the lesson food blog lady!
Posted On: Wednesday, Apr. 7 2010 @ 1:02PMI disagree with #8 emphatically!
Posted On: Thursday, Apr. 8 2010 @ 5:34AMFood is totally sexy! Perhaps your too intellectual to enjoy the euphoria of an amazing meal! It can be sexy on many levels. Visually with the glistening of a sauce, texturally as in a piece of uni melting on your tongue or the sensational pairing of chocolate and chili! But like "cooked to perfection" Food is subjective and i enjoy the sensuality of making, tasting and sharing a delicious meal!
What about delish and interesting?
Posted On: Thursday, Apr. 8 2010 @ 1:50PMgood stuff. some of these terms, it's hard to find alternatives, but you are correct, they've all become bad cliches. especially hate "cooked to perfection".
for #7, i might swap in "goodness" as in "chocolaty goodness" "lemony goodness" etc etc. ... really annoying.
Posted On: Thursday, Apr. 8 2010 @ 2:05PMOH please... i am so sick of Alex Guarnaschelli and all the puffed up self absorbed so impressed with them selves food people on Food Network.. they wouldn't know good food if it rose up and slapped them in the face..!
Posted On: Thursday, Apr. 8 2010 @ 4:35PMI hate any description that involves "toes" and "curling". The only time food should make your toes curl is when your choking on it. And if your a food reviewer who uses this description you deserve it.
Also I agree with robin L. Food can be sexy. I mean vagina's are just like vertical fish tacos. SEXY!
Posted On: Thursday, Apr. 15 2010 @ 2:03AM