Toothsome: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from Middle English 'tohtsome', which means 'having a good flavor'.
• It combines 'tooth', referring to taste or eating, and 'some', indicating abundance or quality.
• First recorded use dates back to the 15th century, showing its long-standing presence in the English language.

Culinary Arts

• The term is often used by chefs and food critics to describe high-quality, appealing dishes.
• In food presentation, eye-catching colors and textures enhance the 'toothsome' quality of a dish.
• Popular cooking shows frequently highlight 'toothsome' meals that evoke excitement and cravings.

Pop Culture

• The word has appeared in various food blogs and lifestyle magazines to evoke a sense of indulgence.
• Characters in children's cartoon shows often use 'toothsome' to describe their favorite snacks, adding a fun flair.
• It is not uncommon to find 'toothsome' used in restaurants' promotional materials to attract diners.

Psychology

• Studies suggest that describing food as 'toothsome' can enhance the eating experience and increase enjoyment.
• Pleasant adjectives like this can trigger dopamine release, making meals seem more gratifying to consumers.
• The affective experience of food can be greatly influenced by the adjectives used in descriptions.

Literature

• Many poets and writers use vivid, sensory adjectives like 'toothsome' to engage readers’ imaginations.
• In classic literature, this term often describes banquets and feasts, painting a picture of abundance and pleasure.
• Shakespeare utilized similar language to ignite appetites and depict sumptuous scenes in his works.

Ranking #36,021, 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.

• ...
• 36018 turncoat
• 36019 beatification
• 36020 flunk
• 36021 toothsome
• 36022 dachshund
• 36023 jabber
• 36024 reshuffled
• ...