fish and brewis: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowInformal, Regional, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “fish and brewis” mean?
A traditional Newfoundland dish of salt cod and hard bread or hardtack soaked overnight, then mixed together, often with scrunchions (fried pork fat).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A traditional Newfoundland dish of salt cod and hard bread or hardtack soaked overnight, then mixed together, often with scrunchions (fried pork fat).
A cultural symbol of Newfoundland and Labrador, representing traditional, hearty, and often frugal cuisine born from the region's fishing history and resourcefulness.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is almost exclusively Canadian (Newfoundland). It is not used in standard British or American English. In the UK, a similar concept might be 'salt fish and hardtack' but it is not a named dish. In the US, it is unknown outside of contexts discussing Canadian cuisine.
Connotations
In Newfoundland: positive, traditional, comforting, emblematic of local identity. Outside Newfoundland/Canada: largely unknown, or denotes a specific regional curiosity.
Frequency
Extremely high frequency in Newfoundland in culinary and cultural contexts; virtually zero frequency elsewhere.
Grammar
How to Use “fish and brewis” in a Sentence
[Subject] eats/has/makes fish and brewis.[Subject] is a staple like fish and brewis.We had fish and brewis for [meal].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
In cultural or food history studies discussing Atlantic Canadian traditions.
Everyday
In Newfoundland, when discussing meals, family gatherings, or local culture. Elsewhere, only when describing regional food.
Technical
In culinary contexts detailing traditional preparation methods of preserved fish and grains.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “fish and brewis”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “fish and brewis”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “fish and brewis”
- Misspelling as 'fish and brews'.
- Using it as a countable noun (e.g., 'two fish and brewis') – it is usually treated as uncountable or a mass noun for the dish.
- Assuming it is known outside Atlantic Canada.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily a regional dish of Newfoundland and Labrador, though it may be found in other parts of Canada, especially where Newfoundlanders have settled, or in restaurants specializing in Canadian cuisine.
Scrunchions are small cubes of salted pork fat that are fried until crisp and golden. They are a traditional topping for fish and brewis, adding fat and flavour.
Traditionally, salt cod is used because it was a preserved staple for fishing communities. Using fresh cod creates a different dish, though it might be called by the same name in modern adaptations.
The bread used is 'hardtack' or 'ship's biscuit,' which is rock-hard and inedible unless soaked in water overnight to soften it. This method was practical for long sea voyages.
A traditional Newfoundland dish of salt cod and hard bread or hardtack soaked overnight, then mixed together, often with scrunchions (fried pork fat).
Fish and brewis is usually informal, regional, culinary in register.
Fish and brewis: in British English it is pronounced /ˌfɪʃ ən ˈbruːɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌfɪʃ ən ˈbruːɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Nothing says home like fish and brewis.”
- “It's a fish and brewis kind of day.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: FISH from the sea, and BREWIS (sounds like 'brew') that soaks like tea – a dish of soaked bread and fish.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD IS HERITAGE; SIMPLICITY IS AUTHENTICITY.
Practice
Quiz
What is 'brewis' in the dish 'fish and brewis'?