cordon bleu: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal; Culinary; Specialized
Quick answer
What does “cordon bleu” mean?
A very high standard of excellence or quality, originally in cooking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very high standard of excellence or quality, originally in cooking.
A dish of meat, typically chicken or veal, wrapped around cheese (often ham and Swiss cheese) and then breaded and fried.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is similar in both varieties. The 'Le Cordon Bleu' cooking school name is internationally recognized. The dish is known in both cultures.
Connotations
Connotes French culinary tradition, sophistication, and high skill. In the US, it may also specifically denote the breaded meat dish found in casual dining or freezer sections.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in historical/judgmental contexts (e.g., 'cordon bleu chef'). The dish name is equally common.
Grammar
How to Use “cordon bleu” in a Sentence
Attributive noun (cordon bleu chef)Compound noun (chicken cordon bleu)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cordon bleu” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She trained at a cordon bleu school in London.
- He has a cordon bleu background in patisserie.
American English
- The dinner was a cordon bleu affair.
- She pursued a cordon bleu culinary arts program.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in branding for upscale food businesses or culinary schools.
Academic
Rare. May appear in historical, cultural, or culinary studies texts.
Everyday
Used when discussing food, cooking, or restaurants of high quality. The dish name 'chicken cordon bleu' is common.
Technical
Culinary arts: denotes a specific technique, dish, or a graduate of the Le Cordon Bleu school.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cordon bleu”
- Spelling: 'cordon blue' (incorrect).
- Pronunciation: stressing 'cordon' incorrectly (stress is roughly equal).
- Using it as a general adjective for anything excellent outside of culinary contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It literally means 'blue ribbon', referring to the ribbon of a high chivalric order.
No, while 'chicken cordon bleu' is very common, the dish can also be made with veal, pork, or even turkey.
It would be unusual and potentially confusing. The term is strongly associated with cooking and culinary skill.
In British English, it's roughly 'kor-don bler'. In American English, it's closer to 'kor-dn bloo'.
A very high standard of excellence or quality, originally in cooking.
Cordon bleu is usually formal; culinary; specialized in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable as the term is itself a fixed phrase]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BLUE ribbon (bleu) tied around (cordon) a chef's hat, marking the highest award.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXCELLENCE IS A HIGH RANK (the blue ribbon of the Order of the Holy Spirit).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most common contemporary meaning of 'cordon bleu'?