devils-on-horseback: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “devils-on-horseback” mean?
A hot appetizer consisting of prunes or dates stuffed with savoury ingredients like cheese, wrapped in bacon, and baked or grilled.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hot appetizer consisting of prunes or dates stuffed with savoury ingredients like cheese, wrapped in bacon, and baked or grilled.
A specific category of cocktail garnish or canapé. May refer more broadly to any bacon-wrapped, bite-sized savoury treat, though this is less precise.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, the classic filling is a prune (often soaked in tea or brandy). In the US, it is more commonly a date. Both are considered correct, but recipes often specify the regional preference.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes traditional, retro, or party food, often served at Christmas or formal gatherings. The British version may have slightly more old-fashioned, 'stately home' associations.
Frequency
Equally recognised in culinary contexts in both regions, though it is a specialised term not used in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “devils-on-horseback” in a Sentence
[verb: serve/make] + devils-on-horseback + [prep: as/for] + [noun: starter/appetiser]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used.
Academic
Only in historical or cultural studies of food.
Everyday
Rare; only when discussing specific recipes or party food.
Technical
Culinary term; used in cookbooks, menus, and by chefs.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “devils-on-horseback”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “devils-on-horseback”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “devils-on-horseback”
- Using the singular 'devil-on-horseback' (rare). Confusing it with 'angels-on-horseback' (bacon-wrapped oysters). Misspelling as 'devil's-on-horseback'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Devils-on-horseback are bacon-wrapped prunes or dates (savoury/fruity). Angels-on-horseback are bacon-wrapped oysters (seafood).
It is very rarely used. The term is almost always used in the plural to refer to the dish, similar to 'scampi' or 'fries'.
It is considered a retro or classic canapé, popular in the mid-20th century. It is still made, often at Christmas or traditional events, but is not an everyday food.
In traditional British recipes, prunes are often soaked in tea, brandy, or port to plump them and add flavour before stuffing and wrapping.
A hot appetizer consisting of prunes or dates stuffed with savoury ingredients like cheese, wrapped in bacon, and baked or grilled.
Devils-on-horseback is usually informal, culinary in register.
Devils-on-horseback: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdev.l̩z ɒn ˈhɔːs.bæk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdev.l̩z ɑːn ˈhɔːrs.bæk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[None directly associated]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine little devils riding on horseback made of crispy bacon. The 'devil' is the spicy/savoury filling, the 'horseback' is the bacon it sits on.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD IS A LIVING ENTITY / FLAVOUR IS A SUPERNATURAL BEING (The strong flavour is metaphorically a 'devil'; the supporting element is its 'steed').
Practice
Quiz
What is the key difference between British and American devils-on-horseback?