applesauce: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Slang (for figurative sense)
Quick answer
What does “applesauce” mean?
A soft, sweet food made by cooking apples until they form a smooth purée.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A soft, sweet food made by cooking apples until they form a smooth purée.
Informal term meaning nonsense, foolish talk, or insincere flattery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the food is far more commonly called 'apple sauce' (two words). The slang meaning 'nonsense' is almost exclusively American and rarely understood in British English without context.
Connotations
US: For the food, a homely, traditional comfort food; for the slang, playful, slightly old-fashioned dismissal. UK: Primarily a condiment served with roast pork.
Frequency
High frequency for the food in both varieties (as 'apple sauce' in UK). The figurative sense is of low-to-medium frequency in American informal speech but virtually nonexistent in UK usage.
Grammar
How to Use “applesauce” in a Sentence
[Subject] is/makes applesauce.That's (just) applesauce!Don't give me that applesauce.to talk applesauceVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “applesauce” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- He's just applesaucing his way through the interview. (very rare, non-standard)
adjective
American English
- He gave me an applesauce answer. (informal, meaning 'nonsensical')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in very informal US settings to dismiss an unrealistic proposal: 'The projections in this report are pure applesauce.'
Academic
Virtually never used in its figurative sense. The culinary term may appear in food science or historical texts.
Everyday
Common for the food, especially in US family cooking. The figurative sense is used in informal American conversation among older generations or for humorous effect.
Technical
Used in culinary and food manufacturing contexts to describe a specific product.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “applesauce”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “applesauce”
- Using the figurative sense with UK speakers who will interpret it literally.
- Spelling as one word ('applesauce') in a formal UK context where 'apple sauce' is preferred.
- Overusing the slang term; it has a somewhat dated, folksy feel in modern American English.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. In American English, the one-word spelling is standard for both the food and the slang. In British English, the food is almost exclusively spelled as two words: 'apple sauce'. The slang is American and uses the one-word form.
It is not recommended. Most British English speakers will only understand the literal culinary meaning. Use 'rubbish', 'nonsense', or 'baloney' (the latter is also understood) instead for the figurative sense.
It is mildly dismissive and informal, but not generally offensive. It's less harsh than many other slang terms for nonsense. It can sound playful or slightly old-fashioned.
Applesauce is a purée of cooked apples, often with sugar and spice, with a loose, saucy consistency. Apple butter is applesauce cooked down much longer until it becomes dark, thick, and spreadable, with a more concentrated, caramelized flavour.
A soft, sweet food made by cooking apples until they form a smooth purée.
Applesauce is usually informal, slang (for figurative sense) in register.
Applesauce: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæp.əl.sɔːs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæp.əl.sɑːs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “That's applesauce! (US, informal = That's nonsense!)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone trying to pass off mushy applesauce as a solid argument – it's just soft, sweet nonsense.
Conceptual Metaphor
WORTHLESS IDEAS ARE INSUBSTANTIAL/UNPALATABLE FOOD (e.g., nonsense, baloney, tripe, applesauce).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'applesauce' be LEAST appropriate?