Sweetmeat: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Middle English 'sweetmete', which combined 'sweet' and 'meat', where 'meat' referred to food in general rather than just flesh.
• Historically, 'sweetmeats' referred to rich delicacies, which included fruits and desserts, not limited to sugar confections.

Culinary Arts

• In medieval Europe, sweetmeats were often prepared for nobility and featured spices like cloves and cinnamon.
• Certain sweetmeats, like candied fruits or marzipan, are still popular in festive celebrations around the world.

Cultural Significance

• In many cultures, sweetmeats are central to celebrations, weddings, and festivals, symbolizing joy and abundance.
• Different regions have their own versions; for example, 'dessert' in French cuisine often includes various sweetmeats at the end of meals.

Literature

• Classic literature often mentioned sweetmeats as a symbol of wealth and indulgence, reflecting the social status of characters.
• In Shakespeare's works, references to sweetmeats underline the themes of love and desire, often associated with romantic encounters.

Modern Usage

• Today, the term 'sweetmeat' has largely fallen out of common use, replaced by the broader term 'candy' or 'sweets'.
• Sweetmeats are still made and cherished in specific cultures, showcasing traditional recipes that have been passed down through generations.

Ranking #35,120, 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.

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• 35118 catatonia
• 35119 ytterbium
• 35120 sweetmeat
• 35121 decompress
• 35122 commercializing
• 35123 scathingly
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