chef
chef
Pronunciation
chef: /ʃɛf/
/ʃ/ - voiceless palato-alveolar sibilant
/ɛ/ - open-mid front unrounded vowel
/f/ - voiceless labiodental fricative
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: chef
Plural Noun: chefs
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition 1: A professional cook, typically one who is skilled in a specific type of cuisine or who holds a position of authority in a kitchen, often overseeing the preparation and presentation of food in a restaurant, hotel, or other dining establishment.
Synonyms: cook, culinary artist, cuisinier, head cook, saucier
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms; perhaps "diner" or "eater" if contrasting roles)
Definition 2: (Informal) A person who prepares food, especially a main dish, for a meal, even if not professionally trained.
Synonyms: cook, preparer
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms)
Examples of Use
Books:
"The first time I cooked for him, he said, 'You're quite the chef, aren't you?' and I knew I had him." (from Kitchen Confidential by Anthony Bourdain, 2000)
"As a young chef, he apprenticed under some of the greatest culinary masters of his time."
Newspapers:
"Local chef wins prestigious James Beard Award for her innovative approach to farm-to-table dining." (The New York Times)
"A renowned chef recently opened a new bistro downtown, promising a fusion of international flavors."
Online Publications:
"How to become a Michelin-starred chef: Tips from industry leaders." (Eater.com)
"Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay shares his secrets for perfect scrambled eggs." (Food Network online)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Show: "The contestants on MasterChef battled it out to prove who was the best amateur chef." (Fox, ongoing)
Film: In the movie Burnt (2015), Bradley Cooper plays a disgraced chef trying to reclaim his former glory.
Video Game: "In the popular game Overcooked!, players work together as chefs to prepare meals in chaotic kitchens."
Podcast: "In this episode, we interview a vegan chef who is revolutionizing plant-based cuisine." (The Sporkful podcast)
General Public Discourse:
"My brother is a fantastic home chef; his pasta dishes are out of this world." (Heard in conversation)
"We hired a private chef for our anniversary dinner, and the meal was exquisite." (Heard in conversation)
10 Quotes Using Chef
"If you want to become a great chef, you have to work with great chefs. And that's exactly what I did." - Gordon Ramsay (BrainyQuote)
"A chef is a mixture maybe of artistry and craft. You have to learn the craft really to get there." - Wolfgang Puck (BrainyQuote)
"Being a chef is about feeding people, which is part of the story of all humanity." - Dominique Crenn (BrainyQuote)
"If you're not the one cooking, stay out of the way and compliment the chef." - Michael Strahan (BrainyQuote)
"A chef's palate is born out of his childhood, and one thing all chefs have in common is a mother who can cook." - Marco Pierre White (BrainyQuote)
"I've been a cook all my life, but I am still learning to be a good chef." - Jose Andres (BrainyQuote)
"I always had a fantasy of being a chef, because I like kitchen life." - Geoffrey Rush (BrainyQuote)
"To me, there's no great chef without a great team." - Daniel Boulud (BrainyQuote)
"Anyone who's a chef, who loves food, ultimately knows that all that matters is: 'Is it good? Does it give pleasure?'" - Anthony Bourdain (Nomss.com)
"The most important class you can take is technique. A great chef is first a great technician." - Jacques Pépin (Medium)
Etymology
The word "chef" comes from French. It's actually a shortened version of the French phrase "chef de cuisine," which literally means "head of the kitchen."
"Chef" in Old French (and still in modern French) simply means "head" or "chief" or "boss."
This French word "chef" itself came from the Latin word "caput," which also meant "head." This is the same root that gives us English words like "captain" and "chief."
So, when we say "chef," we're essentially saying "the head" – specifically, the head of the kitchen.
The English language started using the word "chef" to refer to a professional cook, especially a head cook in a restaurant or hotel, around the 1820s, with the first known use in 1826. This adoption happened as French cuisine and its associated terminology became influential in the culinary world. Before this, you'd likely just hear "cook" or "head cook."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Chef
Chef's kiss: An exclamation or gesture signifying perfection or excellent work.
Too many cooks spoil the broth: (Idiom using "cook" as a synonym for "chef") This means that if too many people are involved in a task, especially one requiring specific expertise, the result will be poor.
The chef's special: Refers to a particular dish recommended or prepared uniquely by the chef on a given day.
Like a chef in their element: Describes someone who is performing a task skillfully and confidently, often with passion, as if it's what they were meant to do.
Every chef has their signature dish: This suggests that every person with a particular skill often has a unique way of doing things or a specific creation they are known for.
To play chef: To take on the role of cooking, often for a specific occasion or meal.
From the chef's table: Implies a privileged or insider's view or experience, usually referring to a dining experience where guests are seated in the kitchen.
A natural-born chef: Someone who has an innate talent or strong aptitude for cooking.
The head chef's word is law: (Original phrase) Emphasizes the authority and final decision-making power of the lead chef in a professional kitchen.
What's cooking, chef? (Informal phrase) A casual greeting, often used to ask a chef or cook what they are preparing, or more broadly, what's happening.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of chef from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
