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Sou Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sou

[suː ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food, cuisine

Sou is a type of modern broth or soup, often associated with various Asian cuisines. It can refer to dishes that consist of vegetables, meat, or fish, cooked in a flavorful liquid, typically broth.

Synonyms

bouillon, broth, soup.

Examples of usage

  • I made a delicious chicken sou with fresh herbs.
  • The restaurant is famous for its spicy vegetable sou.
  • Sou can be a comforting meal during cold weather.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Usage

  • In 17th-century England, it was common to refer to a sou as merely a pittance, demonstrating its perceived low worth.
  • Sou coins were used in the early modern period in French-speaking regions, often for everyday transactions.
  • In some parts of the world, particularly in colonial India, 'sou' referred to coins used in local markets.

Cultural References

  • In Charles Dickens' works, characters occasionally refer to 'sous' to convey scarcity of money, emphasizing the economic struggles of the time.
  • The term has slipped into idiomatic phrases, showing up in expressions about saving or earning just enough.
  • In some cultures, mentioning 'sou' can carry a nostalgic sense of days when coins symbolized hard work and small markets.

Modern Usage

  • Today, 'sou' is often colloquially used to suggest something that is worthless or inexpensive, especially in social conversations.
  • Certain regions of India still use the term 'sou' to represent local currencies, linking back to historic trade practices.
  • With the rise of digital currency, vocabulary like 'sou' highlights our shift from physical coins to virtual transactions.

Origin of 'sou'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sou' comes from the French 'sous', which referred to a small coin used in France.
  • It originally represented a coin worth one fifth of a livre, a historic currency unit in France.
  • The term has also been used in various English texts to indicate something cheap or of little value.

The word 'sou' has its origins in the Old French term 'soupe', which means 'soup' or 'broth'. This term was derived from the Latin 'suppa', referring to a broth or soup that was served with bread. As culinary practices evolved over the centuries, the term 'sou' came to embody a variety of soup-like dishes in different cultures, particularly in Asian cuisines. The use of 'sou' to describe broth or hearty soup dishes highlights the universal nature of comfort food across various societies. Today, the word is often used in modern cooking to denote styles of soups that incorporate a wide range of ingredients and flavors, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of soup as a dish.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,071, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.