aspic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Technical (culinary, literary)
Quick answer
What does “aspic” mean?
A savoury jelly made from meat stock, used to coat or contain cold meats, fish, or eggs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A savoury jelly made from meat stock, used to coat or contain cold meats, fish, or eggs.
Can refer to any food set in a clear, savoury jelly. Figuratively, it can describe something preserved or immobilized, evoking a sense of being frozen or fossilized.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word is understood in both varieties but is perhaps more likely to be encountered in British historical or formal culinary contexts. The food item itself is less common in modern American cuisine.
Connotations
Connotes traditional, elaborate, often upper-class or formal dining in both varieties. Can have a slightly archaic or fussy feel.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday language in both regions. Higher relative frequency in historical texts, cookbooks, or descriptions of formal events.
Grammar
How to Use “aspic” in a Sentence
N (food) + set/encased/coated/preserved + in + aspicaspic + of + N (food)V (to fossilize) + something + in aspicVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “aspic” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Not standard; figurative use only) The tradition seemed to have been aspicked in the Edwardian era.
American English
- (Not standard; figurative use only) They didn't want to aspic their business model in the face of change.
adjective
British English
- (Rare, usually in compound) The aspic-glazed ham glistened under the lights.
American English
- (Rare, usually in compound) She prepared an aspic mould for the competition.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear metaphorically: 'The company's policies were set in aspic.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or cultural studies of food and dining.
Everyday
Very rare. Most contemporary speakers would simply say 'savoury jelly' or not refer to the concept at all.
Technical
Standard term in professional cookery and food science for the specific preparation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “aspic”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “aspic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “aspic”
- Mispronouncing as /əˈspɪk/ (uh-SPIK). The stress is on the first syllable: ASS-pick.
- Using it to refer to sweet jelly (like Jell-O).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered old-fashioned. It is rarely served in modern home cooking but may appear in very formal, traditional, or haute cuisine settings.
Gelatin is the plain, unflavoured setting agent. Aspic is the finished product—a flavoured, savoury jelly made using gelatin (or natural collagen from bones) and stock.
Yes. The phrase 'set in aspic' is used to describe ideas, traditions, or institutions that are preserved and unchanged, often implying they are outdated.
Yes. Using vegetable stock and agar-agar (a plant-based gelling agent), one can make a vegetarian savoury jelly, though it is not technically 'aspic' which is traditionally meat-based.
A savoury jelly made from meat stock, used to coat or contain cold meats, fish, or eggs.
Aspic is usually formal/technical (culinary, literary) in register.
Aspic: in British English it is pronounced /ˈaspɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæspɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “set in aspic (figurative): To be preserved unchanged, often to the point of being outdated or rigid.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an ASP (the snake) preserved in a block of IC(y) jelly. ASP-IC. It's a cold, preserved thing.
Conceptual Metaphor
PRESERVATION IS IMMOBILIZATION IN A TRANSPARENT SUBSTANCE (TIME IS A JELLY THAT SOLIDIFIES).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'aspic'?