cookie
HighInformal to neutral for the baked good; technical for computing.
Definition
Meaning
A small, sweet, baked treat, typically round and flat, often containing chocolate chips, nuts, or other ingredients.
A small piece of data stored on a user's computer by a web browser, used to remember information about the user or their browsing activity. Also used informally to refer to an attractive person (slang, dated).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The primary meaning is culinary. The computing sense is a metaphor based on the idea of a 'fortune cookie' containing a message. The slang sense is largely dated (mid-20th century).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'biscuit' is the more common term for the baked good, though 'cookie' is understood, often referring to a larger, softer, or chunkier type. In American English, 'cookie' is the universal term; 'biscuit' refers to a soft, leavened bread roll.
Connotations
In the UK, 'cookie' can sound Americanised or refer specifically to the US-style baked good. In the US, it has strong connotations of homemade treats, childhood, and comfort food.
Frequency
Very high frequency in US English; common but secondary to 'biscuit' in UK English for the food item. The computing term is universal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
bake [a cookie/some cookies]have [a cookie]store/set a cookie (computing)clear cookies (computing)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “That's the way the cookie crumbles (that's just how things turn out)”
- “Tough cookie (a resilient person)”
- “Smart cookie (an intelligent person)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to web tracking data ('We use cookies to personalise your experience').
Academic
Rare, except in computer science/IT contexts discussing web protocols.
Everyday
Primarily refers to the food item ('Would you like a cookie with your tea?').
Technical
Specifically refers to HTTP cookies in computing.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The website will cookie your device to remember your login.
American English
- The site cookies users to track their preferences.
adjective
British English
- She used a cookie cutter approach to the problem.
American English
- It was a cookie-cutter subdivision with identical houses.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I like chocolate chip cookies.
- Can I have a cookie, please?
- She baked some cookies for the school fair.
- You need to accept cookies to use this website.
- The new GDPR regulations require clear consent for non-essential cookies.
- He's a tough cookie; he'll recover from this setback quickly.
- The marketing strategy was criticised for being overly cookie-cutter and lacking innovation.
- Browser fingerprinting can often achieve tracking even when third-party cookies are blocked.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a cook (COOK) making a treat for me (IE) – a COOK-IE.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/INFORMATION IS FOOD (a 'cookie' stores digital information; a 'fortune cookie' contains a message). PERSONS ARE OBJECTS (a 'tough/smart cookie').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate the computing term 'cookie' as 'печенье' (biscuit); use 'куки' or 'файл cookie'.
- The idiom 'tough cookie' does not relate to food; translate as 'крепкий орешек' (tough nut to crack).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'cookie' for a British-style biscuit like a digestive or rich tea in formal UK contexts.
- Misspelling as 'cooky'.
- Confusing 'cookie' (sweet) with American 'biscuit' (savoury bread roll).
Practice
Quiz
In British English, which word is MOST commonly used for a sweet, baked item like a digestive or rich tea?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, for the food item, 'cookie' is the standard American term. In British English, 'biscuit' is standard, though 'cookie' is understood and often used for larger, softer, or chunkier types (like chocolate chip).
A small text file placed on your device by a website you visit. It helps the site remember information about your visit, like login status or preferences.
It's an idiom describing a person who is emotionally resilient, strong-willed, and able to deal with difficult situations.
Yes, in computing contexts. To 'cookie' a user means to place a cookie on their device, though the more common phrasing is 'set a cookie' or 'place a cookie'.
Collections
Part of a collection
Food and Drink
A1 · 49 words · Common words for food, drink and meals.