Toque: meaning, definitions and examples

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toque

[təʊk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

headwear

A toque is a type of hat with a narrow brim or no brim at all, usually worn in cold weather to keep the head warm. Toques are often knitted or made of wool.

Synonyms

beanie, skullcap, woolly hat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
toque	Commonly used in Canadian English to refer to a knitted winter hat. It's informal and widely recognized in Canada. Don't forget your toque, it's really cold outside! He wore a red toque with a white pom-pom.
beanie	Used in American and British English to describe a snug, usually brimless cap made of wool or cotton. Suitable for casual settings and often associated with youth culture. She pulled her beanie down over her ears as the wind picked up. I always wear my beanie when I go skateboarding.
woolly hat	British English term for a warm winter hat made of wool, similar in function to a toque or beanie. It's quite commonly used for everyday winter wear. Make sure to grab your woolly hat before we go out into the snow. Her woolly hat kept her head warm throughout the chilly day.
skullcap	Can have religious or cultural connotations, often referring to a small, rounded cap fitting tightly on the head. Also used to describe tight-fitting caps worn under helmets by athletes. The monk wore a skullcap as part of his traditional attire. Cyclists often wear skullcaps under their helmets for extra warmth.

Examples of usage

I wore a toque to keep my head warm during the winter.
She knitted a cozy toque for her son to wear to school.
The toque she was wearing had a fluffy pom-pom on top.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

culinary

In the culinary world, a toque is a traditional tall white hat worn by chefs. The number of pleats on the toque traditionally signifies the rank of the chef.

Synonyms

chef's hat, culinary hat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
toque	The second entry of toque can also refer to a different type of hat, typically a knit cap worn in cold weather, especially in Canada. Context determines whether it refers to the chef's hat or the knit cap. In Canada, a toque is essential for keeping warm during the winter months.
chef's hat	This term is more commonly used and understood by the general public. It works well in any context where you need a straightforward and easily understood description of a chef's traditional headgear. The chef's hat is a symbol of expertise and professionalism in the kitchen.
culinary hat	This phrase is less common and might be used in more general or informal settings when referring to any type of hat worn in the culinary industry. It can encompass a broader range of hats beyond the traditional tall chef's hat. Before starting the cooking class, everyone was given a culinary hat for hygiene purposes.

Word

Description / Examples

toque

The second entry of toque can also refer to a different type of hat, typically a knit cap worn in cold weather, especially in Canada. Context determines whether it refers to the chef's hat or the knit cap.

In Canada, a toque is essential for keeping warm during the winter months.

chef's hat

This term is more commonly used and understood by the general public. It works well in any context where you need a straightforward and easily understood description of a chef's traditional headgear.

The chef's hat is a symbol of expertise and professionalism in the kitchen.

culinary hat

This phrase is less common and might be used in more general or informal settings when referring to any type of hat worn in the culinary industry. It can encompass a broader range of hats beyond the traditional tall chef's hat.

Before starting the cooking class, everyone was given a culinary hat for hygiene purposes.

Examples of usage

The head chef wore a toque with 100 pleats, indicating his high rank in the kitchen.
She earned her toque after completing culinary school and training under top chefs.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'toque' comes from the Old French word 'toque,' meaning a type of cap.
Originally, the toque was worn by various professions, but it became associated with cooking in the 16th century.
Different styles of toques can indicate a chef's rank or level of expertise in a kitchen.

Culinary Tradition

A chef’s toque can have up to 100 folds, symbolizing the 100 different ways to prepare an egg.
In classic French cuisine, the height of a toque signifies the chef's rank in the kitchen hierarchy.
Chefs traditionally wore white toques to represent cleanliness and professionalism in culinary arts.

Cultural Significance

The toque is a symbol of culinary excellence and professionalism recognized around the world.
In gourmet cuisine, the toque has become a fashion statement, blending tradition with modern culinary arts.
Some chefs personalize their toques as a form of self-expression, stitching unique designs or colors.

Art and Fashion

The toque has inspired various fashion trends, appearing in art and design as an icon of the culinary world.
Notable fashion designers have referenced the style of the toque in collections celebrating gastronomy.
It has appeared in pop culture, symbolizing chefs in movies, books, and media about cooking.

Health and Safety

The toque helps keep hair covered while cooking, promoting hygiene in the preparation of food.
Its design allows for ventilation, helping chefs stay cool while working in hot kitchen environments.
Wearing a toque is part of a chef's uniform that signifies a commitment to food safety standards.

Translations

Translations of the word "toque" in other languages:

🇵🇹 toque

🇮🇳 स्पर्श

🇩🇪 Berührung

🇮🇩 sentuhan

🇺🇦 дотик

🇵🇱 dotyk

🇯🇵 タッチ

🇫🇷 toucher

🇪🇸 toque

🇹🇷 dokunuş

🇰🇷 터치

🇸🇦 لمس

🇨🇿 dotek

🇸🇰 dotyk

🇨🇳 触摸

🇸🇮 dotik

🇮🇸 snerting

🇰🇿 жанасу

🇬🇪 შეხება

🇦🇿 toxunma

🇲🇽 toque

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,506, 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.

...
36503 denting
36504 unappetizing
36505 amputating
36506 toque
36507 crazies
36508 clobbered
36509 pummeling
...