capicola: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowSpecialized/Culinary
Quick answer
What does “capicola” mean?
A dry-cured Italian pork cold cut, made from the muscle running from the neck to the fourth or fifth rib of the pork shoulder or neck.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dry-cured Italian pork cold cut, made from the muscle running from the neck to the fourth or fifth rib of the pork shoulder or neck.
Often used as a premium deli meat, known for its marbled fat, tender texture, and seasoned, slightly spicy flavor profile.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more commonly encountered in American English, particularly in regions with significant Italian-American communities. In British English, it is less common and might be described as a 'type of Italian cured ham' or 'coppa'.
Connotations
In the US, it often carries connotations of authentic Italian delicatessen food and family gatherings. In the UK, it is more likely associated with specialist food shops or Italian restaurants.
Frequency
Much higher frequency in US English, especially in food writing and deli contexts. Very low frequency in general UK English.
Grammar
How to Use “capicola” in a Sentence
[Subject: deli/person] + [Verb: serves/stocks/slices] + [Object: capicola][Subject: recipe/sandwich] + [Verb: calls for/features] + [Object: capicola]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “capicola” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Word is not used as a verb)
American English
- (Word is not used as a verb)
adverb
British English
- (Word is not used as an adverb)
American English
- (Word is not used as an adverb)
adjective
British English
- We enjoyed a capicola-topped pizza.
- The capicola salad was particularly good.
American English
- He made a killer capicola sub.
- I prefer the capicola option on the antipasto platter.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the business of gourmet food import/export or specialty deli supply.
Academic
Rare, potentially in culinary arts, food history, or anthropology papers discussing Italian foodways.
Everyday
Low in general conversation, higher in contexts discussing deli orders, sandwich making, or Italian cuisine.
Technical
Used in butchery, charcuterie, and food processing with precise definitions related to cut, cure, and preparation.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “capicola”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “capicola”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “capicola”
- Misspelling as 'cappicola', 'capicolla', or 'capacola'.
- Mispronouncing it as /kæpɪˈkɒlə/ with a hard 'a' and short 'o'.
- Confusing it with pancetta, prosciutto, or other cured pork products.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Capicola is dry-cured and air-dried, a process that preserves it. It is not typically cooked before eating, similar to prosciutto crudo.
They come from different parts of the pig. Prosciutto is from the hind leg, while capicola (coppa) is from the muscle between the neck and fourth/fifth rib of the shoulder. They also have distinct curing processes and flavor profiles.
'Gabagool' is a phonetic representation of the word 'capicola' as pronounced in certain Southern Italian dialects, which was then adopted into some varieties of Italian-American English, popularized by media like 'The Sopranos'.
It can be enjoyed both ways. It is commonly served as part of an antipasto platter, sliced thinly and eaten alone or with cheese and bread, as well as being a popular sandwich filling.
A dry-cured Italian pork cold cut, made from the muscle running from the neck to the fourth or fifth rib of the pork shoulder or neck.
Capicola is usually specialized/culinary in register.
Capicola: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkapɪˈkəʊlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːpɪˈkoʊlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(No common idioms feature this specific word)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'CAP' (like a cap on the shoulder muscle) and 'COLA' (a drink you might have with a sandwich). A 'cap' of flavorful meat you put in your sandwich, washed down with a cola.
Conceptual Metaphor
Often conceptualized as a LUXURY/QUALITY OBJECT (e.g., 'the Rolls-Royce of the deli counter').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meat used to make capicola?