canadian bacon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1informal, culinary
Quick answer
What does “canadian bacon” mean?
A type of cured and smoked pork product, typically made from the lean loin of the pig, which is sliced into round medallions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of cured and smoked pork product, typically made from the lean loin of the pig, which is sliced into round medallions.
In the US, it refers specifically to back bacon, but the term can also be used metaphorically to denote something stereotypically or quintessentially Canadian. It is a common pizza topping.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term 'Canadian bacon' is almost exclusively used in American English. In British English, the equivalent product is called 'back bacon'.
Connotations
In the US, it has neutral-to-positive culinary connotations. In Canada and the UK, the term 'Canadian bacon' sounds like an Americanism and may be seen as a misnomer.
Frequency
High frequency in US culinary contexts; low-to-zero frequency in UK/Canadian English for the same product.
Grammar
How to Use “canadian bacon” in a Sentence
[verb] + Canadian bacon: eat, cook, fry, serve, order, preferVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “canadian bacon” in a Sentence
verb
American English
- We decided to Canadian-bacon the pizza for a change. (informal, non-standard)
adjective
American English
- I'll have the Canadian-bacon omelette, please.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Menu listings, food import/export descriptions.
Academic
Rare; possibly in cultural studies discussing North American culinary differences.
Everyday
Ordering food, discussing breakfast or pizza toppings.
Technical
Butchery, meat processing, culinary arts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “canadian bacon”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “canadian bacon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “canadian bacon”
- Using 'Canadian bacon' to refer to regular streaky bacon.
- Assuming the term is used in Canada itself.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Regular American bacon is made from pork belly and is fatty and streaky. Canadian bacon is made from the lean pork loin and is more similar to ham.
Typically, no. In Canada, it is more accurately called 'back bacon' or, if coated in cornmeal, 'peameal bacon'.
Yes, they are very similar as both are lean, cured pork. Canadian bacon is often smoked and pre-cooked, making it a good ham substitute.
Canadian bacon is cured and smoked, then usually cooked by pan-frying or baking. It is sold pre-cooked, so it only needs reheating.
A type of cured and smoked pork product, typically made from the lean loin of the pig, which is sliced into round medallions.
Canadian bacon is usually informal, culinary in register.
Canadian bacon: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈneɪ.di.ən ˈbeɪ.kən/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈneɪ.di.ən ˈbeɪ.kən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of the round shape of a Canadian coin (the loonie). Canadian bacon is often served in round, coin-like slices.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD AS NATIONAL IDENTITY (a specific food item representing a country).
Practice
Quiz
Where is the term 'Canadian bacon' most commonly used and understood?