catsup: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Regional, Historical
Quick answer
What does “catsup” mean?
A condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
Primarily used as a term for the tomato-based condiment ketchup, especially in certain American and historical contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'ketchup' is the overwhelmingly dominant term. In the US, 'ketchup' is standard, but 'catsup' is a recognized, though now dated or regional, variant.
Connotations
In the US, 'catsup' may sound old-fashioned, rural, or deliberately nostalgic. In the UK, it is almost never used and would be considered an Americanism.
Frequency
Extremely rare in modern British English. In American English, its use has declined significantly since the mid-20th century in favor of 'ketchup'.
Grammar
How to Use “catsup” in a Sentence
[N] + catsup (e.g., hamburger with catsup)catsup + [PREP] + [N] (e.g., catsup on the fries)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “catsup” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [Not used as a verb in British English]
American English
- He clumsily catsupped his hot dog, getting it all over his shirt. (Humorous/rare non-standard use)
adverb
British English
- [Not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- [Not used as an adjective in British English]
American English
- The diner had that classic catsup-stained menu look. (Derivational, rare)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Might appear in historical brand names or on vintage-style packaging for marketing nostalgia.
Academic
Rare. Could appear in historical or cultural studies discussing food terminology.
Everyday
Very low-frequency, used by some older speakers or in specific US regions (e.g., parts of the Midwest, South).
Technical
Used in specific culinary contexts to denote a particular historical recipe or style.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “catsup”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “catsup”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “catsup”
- Spelling it as 'catchup' (though this is an attested historical variant).
- Using it in formal British contexts where 'ketchup' is expected.
- Assuming it is a different product from 'ketchup'; they are synonymous.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'catsup' and 'ketchup' are different spellings for the same tomato-based condiment. 'Ketchup' is now the dominant standard spelling globally.
Both 'ketchup' and 'catsup' derive from the Amoy Chinese word 'kê-tsiap', a brine from pickled fish. The word entered English in the 17th century via Malay 'kecap'. The spelling variation arose as the word was adopted and adapted.
You should almost always use 'ketchup'. 'Catsup' is now a dated or regional variant primarily found in the United States and may sound old-fashioned to many listeners.
It is extremely rare in contemporary British English. The standard and virtually exclusive term in the UK is 'ketchup' or, informally, 'tomato sauce'.
A condiment made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices.
Catsup is usually informal, regional, historical in register.
Catsup: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkat.səp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkæt.səp/ | /ˈkɛtʃ.əp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No specific idioms for 'catsup'. The term is too low-frequency.]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CAT SUPper: a cat trying to eat its supper, but it only wants food covered in red CATSUP.
Conceptual Metaphor
SAUCE IS A LIQUID COATING (catsup coats the food).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is the term 'catsup' most likely to be encountered today, albeit rarely?