filet mignon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2formal, culinary, upscale dining
Quick answer
What does “filet mignon” mean?
A high-quality, tender steak cut from the smaller end of a beef tenderloin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A high-quality, tender steak cut from the smaller end of a beef tenderloin.
By metaphorical extension, can refer to the most select, premium, or desirable part or example of something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'fillet steak' is the more common general term for a steak from the tenderloin, but 'filet mignon' (often spelled 'fillet mignon') is understood as a specific, often smaller, cut. In the US, 'filet mignon' is the standard and almost exclusive term for this cut in restaurants and butchery.
Connotations
Both regions associate it with luxury and fine dining. The French spelling 'filet' is more common in US culinary contexts, while 'fillet' is the standard English spelling in the UK.
Frequency
The term is significantly more frequent in American English, where it is the default culinary term. In British English, 'fillet steak' is more frequently used in general contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “filet mignon” in a Sentence
to cook/serve/order a filet mignonto have the filet mignona filet mignon with [accompaniment]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Metaphorically used to denote a premium product or service in a portfolio (e.g., 'Our new software suite is the filet mignon of our offerings.').
Academic
Rare, except in historical or cultural studies of food, gastronomy, or luxury.
Everyday
Primarily used in contexts of dining out, special occasions, or discussing premium food.
Technical
Used in culinary arts, butchery, and restaurant management to specify the exact cut.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “filet mignon”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “filet mignon”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “filet mignon”
- Misspelling as 'fillet minion' or 'filet minyon'.
- Using it as a non-count noun (e.g., 'I'll have some filet mignon').
- Incorrect stress: stressing the first syllable of 'mignon' (correct: /miːnˈjɑːn/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
They are from the same primal cut (the tenderloin), but 'filet mignon' typically refers to a specific, smaller portion from the narrower end. In American usage, 'filet mignon' is the standard term for any steak from the tenderloin served in a restaurant.
Its high price is due to its extreme tenderness, limited quantity per animal (only two tenderloins per cow), and high demand in fine dining establishments.
Because it is very lean, it is best cooked quickly with high heat (grilled, pan-seared) and served rare to medium-rare to preserve its tenderness and juiciness. Overcooking can make it dry.
In American English, it is commonly pronounced /miːnˈjɑːn/ (meen-YAHN). In British English, it is often /ˈmiːnjɒ̃/ (MEEN-yon) with a nasalised vowel. The French origin is /miɲɔ̃/.
A high-quality, tender steak cut from the smaller end of a beef tenderloin.
Filet mignon is usually formal, culinary, upscale dining in register.
Filet mignon: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɪleɪ ˈmiːnjɒ̃/, and in American English it is pronounced /fɪˌleɪ miːnˈjɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “the filet mignon of [something] (e.g., 'That vintage car is the filet mignon of his collection.')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'FILEt mignon' - the 'filet' (French for 'thread' or 'strip') is the 'MINE' (mignon sounds like 'mine') - the best cut that I claim for myself.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUALITY IS RARITY / LUXURY IS UP; e.g., 'the filet mignon of the industry' maps the premium cut of meat onto the most elite sector.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of filet mignon?