cock-a-leekie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Culinary, Regional, Informal
Quick answer
What does “cock-a-leekie” mean?
A traditional Scottish soup made with leeks and chicken.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional Scottish soup made with leeks and chicken.
A hearty, rustic soup, emblematic of Scottish cuisine, often containing prunes or barley for additional texture and flavor.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively used in British English, particularly Scottish English. It is largely unknown in general American English.
Connotations
In the UK, it connotes tradition, Scotland, and rustic, homely cooking. In the US, it has no established connotations due to its obscurity.
Frequency
Low frequency even in the UK, except in discussions of Scottish food or traditional cuisine.
Grammar
How to Use “cock-a-leekie” in a Sentence
[verb: eat, make, serve] + cock-a-leekie[adjective: traditional, Scottish] + cock-a-leekieVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cock-a-leekie” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The cock-a-leekie recipe has been passed down for generations.
- We enjoyed a cock-a-leekie supper at the Highland games.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Used in cultural studies, food history, or gastronomy texts discussing regional British cuisine.
Everyday
Used in conversation about cooking, Scottish culture, or when ordering in a Scottish-themed restaurant.
Technical
Used in professional cookery, recipe books, and culinary arts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cock-a-leekie”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cock-a-leekie”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cock-a-leekie”
- Misspelling as 'cockaleekie', 'cock-a-leaky', or 'cockleekie'.
- Using it as a countable noun without an article (e.g., 'I ate cock-a-leekie' instead of 'I ate some cock-a-leekie' or 'a bowl of cock-a-leekie').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while traditional recipes often include prunes for a slight sweetness, modern versions may omit them.
It is always served hot as a main-course soup.
No, it specifically refers to the Scottish version of the soup. Using it for other versions is technically incorrect.
No, it is a low-frequency, specialized culinary term known mainly to food enthusiasts and those familiar with Scottish culture.
A traditional Scottish soup made with leeks and chicken.
Cock-a-leekie is usually culinary, regional, informal in register.
Cock-a-leekie: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɒk əˈliːki/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːk əˈliːki/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a cockerel (cock) and a leek: a 'cock-a-leekie' soup combines chicken (from the cockerel) and leeks.
Conceptual Metaphor
TRADITION IS A HEARTH (the soup represents warmth, home, and enduring custom).
Practice
Quiz
Cock-a-leekie is primarily associated with which country's cuisine?