Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Rasher Meaning: Definition and Examples

🥓
Add to dictionary

rasher

[ˈræʃər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food item

A rasher is a thin slice of bacon or ham, typically served as part of a breakfast. The term is commonly used in British cuisine and refers specifically to a slice that has been cured and smoked. In some contexts, it could also refer to a slice of other meats, but bacon is the most common usage. Rashers are usually cooked until crisp and are often enjoyed with eggs and toast.

Synonyms

slab, slice, strip.

Examples of usage

  • I had a rasher of bacon with my eggs this morning.
  • She ordered a full English breakfast with two rashers.
  • The recipe calls for a rasher of ham in the salad.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • Rashers are commonly found in breakfast dishes, especially in English-style breakfasts that often include eggs and toast.
  • This slice of meat can be baked, grilled, or fried, enhancing the flavor of sandwiches and salads.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, a breakfast featuring rashers of bacon is considered a hearty start to the day, especially in Irish and British cuisine.
  • The term can reflect various cooking traditions, where the method of preparation has local varieties and styles.

Health and Nutrition

  • While enjoyable, rashers are often high in fat and sodium, leading some health experts to recommend moderation in consumption.
  • Some have experimented with turkey or veggie rashers as healthier alternatives to traditional pork.

Literature and Media

  • Food-related phrases like 'rasher of bacon' have made appearances in classic literature, adding flavor to character descriptions and settings.
  • In modern media and advertisements, crispy rashers are often used to entice viewers with their visual appeal in food commercials.

Origin of 'rasher'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'rascan', meaning to scrape off or remove a layer, which relates to slicing.
  • Historically, the term 'rasher' was also used for slices of meat in general, not just bacon.

The word 'rasher' originates from the late 14th century, derived from the Old French word 'raser', which means 'to scrape or shave'. It was used to describe a thin slice of bacon or ham, emphasizing the method of preparation, where the meat is trimmed down to a smaller size. As culinary practices evolved, the term became more standardized within British English to denote specifically a slice of cured pork. The use of 'rasher' has also expanded in some regions to describe slices of other meats, but its association with bacon remains the strongest. Over the centuries, as bacon became a staple in many cultures, particularly in breakfasts, the term 'rasher' grew more common in everyday language, especially in the UK.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,558, 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.