Buttering: meaning, definitions and examples

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buttering

 

[ˈbʌtərɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

cooking

Applying butter to something, typically bread or a pan, in order to cook or add flavor. Buttering can also refer to complimenting someone excessively in order to gain favor.

Synonyms

greasing, smearing, spreading.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
buttering

Used when applying butter, usually to bread or toast, in a gentle manner to make it more palatable.

  • He was buttering his toast while reading the morning newspaper
greasing

Commonly used when applying oil or grease, often to machinery or cooking utensils, to reduce friction.

  • He was greasing the hinges so the door would stop squeaking
smearing

Used when spreading something, often a soft or sticky substance, in a haphazard or messy manner. This word often has a negative connotation.

  • The child was smearing peanut butter all over the table
spreading

Generally refers to applying something, such as butter, jam, or cream cheese, evenly across a surface like bread.

  • She was spreading jam on her toast

Examples of usage

  • He was buttering the pan before adding the eggs.
  • She was constantly buttering up her boss to get a promotion.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

Excessive praise or flattery, especially when insincere.

Synonyms

adulation, flattery, sycophancy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
buttering

Typically used in informal contexts and often implies insincere praise to gain favor or advantage from someone. Often considered slightly negative.

  • She kept buttering up the boss to get a promotion.
  • He was buttering me up all day just to borrow my car.
flattery

Implying insincere or exaggerated praise, often with the intent of gaining favor or influencing someone. Can be used in both formal and informal settings.

  • Your flattery will get you nowhere with me.
  • She was cynical about all the flattery she received.
sycophancy

Refers to exaggerated flattery or praise to someone in authority, usually for personal gain. It carries a strong negative connotation and is often used in formal contexts.

  • His sycophancy was obvious to everyone in the office.
  • The sycophancy of the courtiers disgusted the queen.
adulation

Indicates intense admiration or praise, often to an excessive degree and usually in formal or literary contexts. It can carry a negative nuance of exaggeration.

  • The actor enjoyed the adulation of fans everywhere he went.
  • Politicians sometimes thrive on public adulation.

Examples of usage

  • Her constant buttering up of the teacher was annoying to the rest of the class.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • Buttering is essential in cooking, as it adds flavor and moisture to dishes, enhancing taste.
  • Something known as 'butter poaching' uses butter to cook food gently, making it very tender and flavorful.
  • In baking, buttering pans helps prevent sticking, ensuring treats come out perfectly shaped.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, serving buttered bread is a sign of hospitality and comfort during mealtimes.
  • Buttering bread is often a shared activity in family gatherings, making it a bonding experience.
  • In some regions, specialties like 'buttered popcorn' or 'butter chicken' showcase the enjoyment of butter in various culinary traditions.

Psychology of Language

  • The phrase 'buttering someone up' means to flatter them, often to gain favor, showing the flexible use of language.
  • Using food metaphors like buttering adds warmth to communication, making conversations feel more inviting.
  • Studies show that shared food experiences, like buttering bread together, enhance feelings of trust and cooperation.

History of Butter

  • Butter has been used since ancient times, with evidence of butter production found in Mongolia dating back over 4,500 years.
  • In the 19th century, increasing dairy farming and the invention of new processing techniques revolutionized butter production.
  • Culinary history notes that butter was widely favored in Europe during the Renaissance as a cooking fat, leading to its popularity in various cuisines.

Nutritional Aspects

  • Butter is a source of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K, which are important for health.
  • Despite its high-calorie content, moderate butter consumption can fit into a balanced diet.
  • The debate over the health effects of butter versus margarine highlights the evolving understanding of dietary fats over the years.

Translations

Translations of the word "buttering" in other languages:

🇵🇹 untar com manteiga

🇮🇳 मक्खन लगाना

🇩🇪 buttern

🇮🇩 mengoleskan mentega

🇺🇦 намазувати маслом

🇵🇱 masłowanie

🇯🇵 バターを塗る

🇫🇷 beurrer

🇪🇸 untar con mantequilla

🇹🇷 tereyağı sürmek

🇰🇷 버터를 바르다

🇸🇦 دهن بالزبدة

🇨🇿 mazání máslem

🇸🇰 natieranie maslom

🇨🇳 涂黄油

🇸🇮 mazanje z maslom

🇮🇸 smjörja

🇰🇿 сары май жағу

🇬🇪 კარაქის წასმა

🇦🇿 kərə yağı çəkmək

🇲🇽 untar con mantequilla

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,568, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.