Buttering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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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.
|
| smearing |
Used when spreading something, often a soft or sticky substance, in a haphazard or messy manner. This word often has a negative connotation.
|
| spreading |
Generally refers to applying something, such as butter, jam, or cream cheese, evenly across a surface like bread.
|
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.
|
| 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.
|
| 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.
|
Examples of usage
- Her constant buttering up of the teacher was annoying to the rest of the class.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
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.
Origin of 'buttering'
The word 'buttering' originates from the Middle English word 'buteren,' which is derived from the Old English word 'butere,' meaning 'butter.' Butter has been a staple food for centuries, known for its rich, creamy texture and versatility in cooking. The verb form of 'buttering' has evolved to include not just the application of butter but also the act of flattering or praising excessively.
See also: butterfly.