Buttering: meaning, definitions and examples
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buttering
[ˈbʌtərɪŋ ]
Definitions
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?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
buttering |
Used when applying butter, usually to bread or toast, in a gentle manner to make it more palatable.
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greasing |
Commonly used when applying oil or grease, often to machinery or cooking utensils, to reduce friction.
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smearing |
Used when spreading something, often a soft or sticky substance, in a haphazard or messy manner. This word often has a negative connotation.
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spreading |
Generally refers to applying something, such as butter, jam, or cream cheese, evenly across a surface like bread.
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Examples of usage
- He was buttering the pan before adding the eggs.
- She was constantly buttering up her boss to get a promotion.
informal
Excessive praise or flattery, especially when insincere.
Synonyms
adulation, flattery, sycophancy.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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