chow mein: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
MediumNeutral to Informal
Quick answer
What does “chow mein” mean?
A Chinese-style dish of stir-fried noodles with meat and/or vegetables.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A Chinese-style dish of stir-fried noodles with meat and/or vegetables.
A term used in Westernized Chinese cuisine to describe any noodle-based dish, often stir-fried, or a ready-made dried noodle product. By extension, it can refer to something perceived as a hastily made or inauthentic mixture.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'chow mein' commonly refers to a stir-fried dish with soft noodles. In the US, particularly in the context of canned or fast-food versions, it often involves deep-fried, crispy noodles. The dish components and preparation styles can vary regionally within both countries.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes affordable, familiar 'takeaway' or 'takeout' food. It may carry connotations of being a less authentic, Westernized version of Chinese cuisine.
Frequency
Common in both varieties, especially in contexts relating to takeaway/takeout food or frozen meals.
Grammar
How to Use “chow mein” in a Sentence
[to have/eat/order] chow mein[to cook/make] chow mein[to serve] chow mein [with something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “chow mein” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We could just chow mein tonight if you don't fancy cooking properly.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in the restaurant and food retail sector (e.g., 'Our new frozen chow mein line is selling well').
Academic
Virtually unused outside of culinary or cultural studies contexts.
Everyday
Very common in contexts of ordering food, discussing meals, or grocery shopping.
Technical
Used in culinary arts to describe a specific preparation method for noodles.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “chow mein”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “chow mein”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “chow mein”
- Misspelling as 'chow main', 'chow mien', or 'chao mian'. Treating it as a countable noun (e.g., 'two chow meins' is non-standard; prefer 'two portions of chow mein').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Chow mein typically involves frying the noodles until they are crispy or well-seared. Lo mein ('tossed noodles') uses softer, boiled noodles that are stirred into the sauce and ingredients.
Yes, it originates from the Taishanese Chinese dialect 'chāu-mèing', meaning 'fried noodles'. However, the dish as known in English-speaking countries is often a Western adaptation.
This is extremely rare and informal (e.g., 'Let's just chow mein'). It is not standard usage and would be considered slang or wordplay.
It is almost always spelled as two separate words: 'chow mein'.
A Chinese-style dish of stir-fried noodles with meat and/or vegetables.
Chow mein is usually neutral to informal in register.
Chow mein: in British English it is pronounced /ˌtʃaʊ ˈmeɪn/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌtʃaʊ ˈmeɪn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Rare] 'Everything but the kitchen sink' – Used humorously to describe a chow mein with an excessive number of ingredients.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CHOW down on MAINly noodles' -> CHOW MEIN.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD AS A COMBINATION/CONCOCTION (e.g., 'His proposal was a chow mein of different ideas').
Practice
Quiz
What is the most accurate description of 'chow mein' in common English usage?