Unsavoury Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Culinary Arts

• In culinary contexts, unsavoury dishes can refer to those with spoiled ingredients or poorly combined flavors.
• Some cuisine requires balance; when a meal is unsavoury, chefs often adjust seasoning to enhance overall taste.
• Fermentation can sometimes make food unsavoury as well, though it may also be intentional for flavor.

Culture

• In social scenarios, unsavoury topics might include gossip or animal cruelty, seen as uncomfortable or negative.
• Film and literature often depict unsavoury characters or themes to highlight moral dilemmas, enhancing drama.
• Certain jokes or situations can be deemed unsavoury, making it crucial to understand social contexts and sensitivities.

Psychology

• Research suggests that people often avoid unsavoury topics in conversation to maintain harmony and comfort in social interactions.
• The brain processes 'unsavoury' information differently, triggering emotional responses that can lead to discomfort or distress.
• Cognitive dissonance occurs when individuals engage with unsavoury subjects, forcing a reevaluation of their beliefs and values.

Literature

• Notable authors sometimes use unsavoury elements in their narratives to create conflict or character depth.
• Stephen King's works frequently touch upon unsavoury themes, contributing to horror and suspense in his storytelling.
• Classical literature often depicted unsavoury figures to highlight moral lessons or societal flaws.

Main points about word origin

• The word 'unsavoury' comes from the prefix 'un-' meaning 'not' and 'savoury' which refers to things that taste good.
• It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century to describe food that's not appetizing.
• Originally from the Latin word 'sapere,' which means to taste or have flavor, leading to connections with both taste and ethics.

The term 'unsavoury' comes from the combination of the prefix 'un-', meaning 'not', and the word 'savoury', which itself means 'pleasant in taste' or 'having a distinctive flavor that is acceptable or agreeable'. The word 'savoury' is derived from the Latin 'saporem', meaning 'taste' or 'flavor', and has evolved through Old French into Middle English, where 'savoury' characterized something that is appetizing, usually in relation to food. The transformation of its meaning to embody unpleasantness likely arose in the early to mid-19th century, as the term began to describe not only tastes but also moral qualities. The usage of 'unsavoury' in contemporary times often relates to behaviors or elements that society finds objectionable or distasteful, extending well beyond culinary contexts.

This word's position of #30,008 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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• 30005 impoverish
• 30006 impermanent
• 30007 galleon
• 30008 unsavoury
• 30009 feeler
• 30010 kronor
• 30011 marooned
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