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Mincing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mincing

[ˈmɪnsɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

cooking

Mincing is the process of cutting food, especially meat, into very small pieces. It is often done with a knife or a mincer.

Synonyms

chop, dice, shred.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mincing

Use when you need to cut food, especially garlic or onions, into very small, fine pieces for a recipe.

  • She spent several minutes mincing garlic for the spaghetti sauce.
  • The recipe calls for minced onions.
chop

A general term for cutting food into pieces. Usually refers to larger, rougher cuts and is often used in cooking for vegetables, fruits, and meats.

  • Chop the carrots into bite-sized pieces.
  • He quickly chopped the herbs for the salad.
dice

Specific for cutting food into uniform small cubes, typically used in recipes that require even cooking or presentation, like in soups or salads.

  • Dice the tomatoes for the salsa.
  • The recipe requires two diced onions.
shred

Used when tearing or cutting food into long, thin strips, often done with cheese, cabbage, or meat.

  • Shred the lettuce for the tacos.
  • She shredded the cheese for the pizza topping.

Examples of usage

  • He was mincing the garlic for the pasta sauce.
  • She minces the meat for the burgers herself.
  • The recipe calls for finely minced onions.
Context #2 | Adjective

behavior

If someone is mincing, they are walking with short, quick steps and with their body held very straight and still, often in a way that is considered affected or unnatural.

Synonyms

prim, prissy, prudish.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mincing

This word often describes a way of speaking or walking that is affectedly dainty or delicate. It may imply an air of artificiality or exaggerated refinement.

  • She walked with a mincing step, clearly trying to impress the crowd.
prissy

This word is similar to 'prim' but has a slightly negative connotation, implying that someone is overly fussy or excessively proper in a way that can be annoying.

  • He can be so prissy about table manners, correcting everyone for the slightest mistakes.
prudish

This word has a strong negative connotation and is used to describe someone who is overly concerned with modesty and decorum, especially regarding sexual matters. It often implies a degree of excessive or exaggerated propriety.

  • She was called prudish because she was uncomfortable with the amount of skin shown in the movie.
prim

Use this word to describe someone who is very proper and formal in their behavior, appearance, or manner. It often suggests a concern for decorum and propriety.

  • Her prim outfit, complete with a modest blouse and knee-length skirt, stood out in the casual crowd.

Examples of usage

  • She was mincing around the room in her high heels.
  • The actor played the role of the mincing villain.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Techniques

  • Mincing is often used for garlic and onions to release their strong flavors quickly while cooking.
  • In professional kitchens, chefs have special knives to make mincing easier and faster.
  • Mincing enhances the taste of dishes, as smaller pieces mix better with other ingredients.

Cultural Significance

  • In some cultures, mincing is an essential technique in preparing dishes like dumplings and sushi, where finely chopped ingredients are crucial.
  • Mincing meat leads to dishes like minced meat pies and sauces, which are popular in many cuisines around the world.
  • During the Renaissance, mincing became popular among gourmet chefs, showcasing refinement in culinary arts.

Health & Nutrition

  • Mincing vegetables can encourage people to eat more produce, as it can make them more palatable and easier to digest.
  • Smaller pieces of food often cook more evenly and quickly, helping to retain nutrients that might be lost in longer cooking times.
  • In health-conscious diets, mincing certain ingredients can boost the flavor without adding extra fats or sugars.

Literary References

  • The term 'mincing' has been used in literature to criticize pretentious speech or behavior, showing a contrast between simple and elaborate expression.
  • 'Mincing' can also describe characters who are overly refined, often appearing in plays and novels as a comedic trope.

Origin of 'mincing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mincing' comes from the Middle English 'mincen', which means to cut.
  • It has roots in the Old French word 'mincier', relating to the act of chopping or cutting.
  • The term is also related to the Latin word 'minuere', meaning 'to lessen' or 'to diminish', reflecting the concept of making something smaller.

The word 'mincing' originated from the Middle English word 'mincen' which means to cut into small pieces. It has been used in English since the 14th century. The verb sense of mincing related to behavior appeared in the 16th century, describing a dainty or affected manner of walking.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,178, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.