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Toque Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘’
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toque

[tษ™สŠk ]

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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Tradition

  • A chefโ€™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.

Origin of 'toque'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'toque' has a dual origin. In English, it originally referred to a type of hat worn by men in the 15th and 16th centuries. The term later evolved to describe various styles of headwear, including the knitted winter hat we know today. In French, 'toque' refers to the traditional tall white hat worn by chefs, symbolizing their expertise and rank in the culinary world. The culinary toque has a rich history dating back to the 16th century, when it became a symbol of culinary mastery.

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.