Veg Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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veg

[vɛg ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

food item

The term 'veg' is a colloquial abbreviation for 'vegetable.' It is commonly used to refer to edible plants or parts of plants that are consumed by humans as food. Vegetables are often considered a critical component of a healthy diet, as they provide essential vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber. 'Veg' can encompass a wide variety of plant-based foods, from leafy greens to root vegetables. In vegetarian and vegan diets, 'veg' forms the basis of many meals and snacks.

Synonyms

greens, produce, vegetable.

Examples of usage

  • I love eating a mix of veg in my salads.
  • Make sure to add some fresh veg to your dinner.
  • Veg can be a great source of protein when combined with legumes.
  • She prefers to have her plate filled with colorful veg.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Health

  • Eating a diverse range of 'vegs' provides essential vitamins and minerals that keep our bodies healthy.
  • Research suggests that a diet rich in vegetables can lower the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
  • Vegetables are typically low in calories and high in fiber, making them great for maintaining a healthy weight.

Culinary Arts

  • Chefs often emphasize 'vegs' for adding color, texture, and flavor to dishes, leading to visually appealing meals.
  • Different cooking methods, like roasting or steaming, can enhance the taste of vegetables, making them more enjoyable.
  • Vegetables are a key ingredient in many global cuisines, from stir-fries to salads, highlighting their versatility.

Pop Culture

  • The rise of vegetarian and vegan diets in recent years has led to more media representation of plant-based meals.
  • Many social media influencers and chefs promote 'veg' meals as trendy and sustainable lifestyle choices.
  • Movies often feature quirky characters who are passionate about gardening or healthy eating, contributing to the popularity of vegetables.

Nutrition

  • Dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli, are particularly noted for their health benefits.
  • The USDA recommends filling half your plate with vegetables to promote a balanced diet.
  • Vegetables are often grouped by color to help ensure a wide variety in nutrient intake.

Origin of 'veg'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Veg' is a slang abbreviation that stems from 'vegetable,' which comes from the Latin word 'vegetabilis' meaning 'growing' or 'flourishing.'
  • In the UK, 'veg' became popular slang in the 1920s, showcasing how language evolves with culture.
  • The term has been widely adopted in various English-speaking countries, often used in informal contexts.

The word 'veg' is a derived form of 'vegetable,' which has its origins in the Latin word 'vegetabilis,' meaning 'growing' or 'flourishing.' The usage of 'vegetable' in English can be traced back to the early 15th century. Over time, as language evolved and became more informal, the shortened version 'veg' emerged in the late 20th century as a casual way to refer to vegetables. This abbreviation reflects a growing trend in English of shortening longer words for convenience, particularly in casual conversation and marketing contexts. The popularity of vegetarian and vegan diets has also contributed to the widespread use of the term 'veg' in contemporary discussions about nutrition and health.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,129 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.