Soupcon: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• This word comes from French, where it means 'a suspicion' or 'a hint'.
• It originally referred to a small taste of something, suggesting a delicate touch or hint.
• In the context of cooking, it indicates that a dish has just a touch of an ingredient.

Culinary Uses

• In gourmet cooking, a soupçon of a spice can elevate a dish, showing the importance of subtle flavors.
• Chefs might describe a sauce as having a soupçon of sweetness to balance acidity.
• In food writing, describing a dish with a 'soupçon' of an ingredient adds sophistication to the description.

Literary Usage

• Authors use the term to suggest that characters may possess a soupçon of intrigue or mystery.
• In poetry, a soupçon of emotion can be more powerful than overt expression.
• Literature often plays with the idea that sometimes less is more, employing 'soupçon' to convey delicacy.

Psychology

• The concept of a soupçon can be related to the idea of 'priming', where a small suggestion can influence our thoughts or decisions.
• In social interactions, a soupçon of sarcasm can significantly change the meaning of a conversation.
• Research shows that what we perceive as a soupçon of information can affect our interpretations of events.

Pop Culture

• In movies, a character might drop a 'soupçon' of gossip to intrigue others, highlighting the importance of subtle hints.
• The term occasionally appears in fashion discussions, referring to a hint of style or flair in an outfit.
• A popular cooking show may use 'soupçon' to describe expert techniques, enlightening viewers on culinary sophistication.

At position #41,565, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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