Scullion: meaning, definitions and examples

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scullion

 

[ ˈskʌljən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

kitchen worker

A scullion is a low-ranking kitchen worker responsible for basic tasks such as cleaning and washing dishes. Traditionally, this role was crucial in large households or institutions where many meals were prepared. The title is derived from medieval times when scullions were often young servants assigned to menial jobs. Despite the menial nature of this work, scullions have been an essential part of kitchen operations throughout history.

Synonyms

assistant, dishwasher, kitchen helper

Examples of usage

  • The scullion worked tirelessly to keep the kitchen clean.
  • In the grand estate, the scullion was responsible for washing all the pots and pans.
  • The chef often relied on the scullion for help with prep work.
  • Scullions were common in castles, assisting the cooks during feasts.

Translations

Translations of the word "scullion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ajudante de cozinha

🇮🇳 रसोई सहायक

🇩🇪 Küchengehilfe

🇮🇩 bantuan dapur

🇺🇦 помічник на кухні

🇵🇱 pomoc kuchenna

🇯🇵 厨房助手

🇫🇷 aide de cuisine

🇪🇸 ayudante de cocina

🇹🇷 mutfak yardımcısı

🇰🇷 주방 보조

🇸🇦 مساعد المطبخ

🇨🇿 kuchyňský pomocník

🇸🇰 kuchynský pomocník

🇨🇳 厨房助手

🇸🇮 kuharski pomočnik

🇮🇸 eldhús aðstoðarmaður

🇰🇿 аспан көмекшісі

🇬🇪 სამზარეულოს თანაშემწე

🇦🇿 mətbəx köməkçisi

🇲🇽 ayudante de cocina

Etymology

The term 'scullion' originates from the Old French word 'escullion', which itself comes from the Latin 'scutella', meaning a 'shallow dish' or 'platter'. This etymology reflects the role's association with washing dishes and preparing food. In medieval England, the scullion's duties were indispensable, especially in large households where multiple servants were needed to manage kitchens for banquets and feasts. As time progressed, the responsibilities of scullions remained largely unchanged, emphasizing their position within the hierarchy of kitchen staff. While the role may not be as prevalent in modern culinary settings due to technology and changes in kitchen organization, the historical significance of scullions in domestic and institutional kitchens is noteworthy.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,058, 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.