flauta: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (Specialised Culinary)Informal, Culinary
Quick answer
What does “flauta” mean?
A thin, rolled Mexican corn tortilla filled with meat or cheese, then deep-fried.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thin, rolled Mexican corn tortilla filled with meat or cheese, then deep-fried.
In Spanish, 'flauta' primarily means 'flute' (the musical instrument), and this culinary term is a metaphorical extension due to the shape resemblance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is more common and understood in American English due to greater exposure to and consumption of Mexican cuisine. In British English, it is a highly specialist term, often requiring explanation.
Connotations
In both varieties, it connotes Mexican/Tex-Mex food. No significant connotative difference.
Frequency
Very low frequency in UK English; low but recognisable in specific contexts (menus, food writing) in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “flauta” in a Sentence
[NP:subject] serve flautas with [NP:guacamole/sour cream][NP:restaurant] is known for its [Adj:chicken/beef] flautasVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in the restaurant/food service industry.
Academic
Virtually non-existent outside culinary or cultural studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing or ordering Mexican food.
Technical
Used in professional culinary contexts and cookbooks.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “flauta”
- Confusing it with an 'enchilada' (which is sauced and baked/soft) or a 'burrito' (larger, soft wheat tortilla).
- Pronouncing it /flɔːtə/ (like 'flaw-ta') instead of the standard /ˈflaʊtə/ (like 'flow-ta').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In common usage, especially in the US, the terms are often used interchangeably. Some purists argue that 'flautas' are larger and made with flour tortillas, while 'taquitos' are smaller and use corn, but this distinction is not consistently observed.
In English, it is typically pronounced /ˈflaʊtə/ ('FLOU-tah'), rhyming with 'out a'. The Spanish pronunciation (/ˈflauta/) is also acceptable.
No. In English, the musical instrument is exclusively called a 'flute'. Using 'flauta' for the instrument would be marked as a Spanish word and sound very foreign or intentionally artistic.
No, it is very uncommon. While it might appear on menus in Mexican restaurants, most British English speakers would be unfamiliar with the term and might simply call it a 'fried tortilla roll' or need it explained.
A thin, rolled Mexican corn tortilla filled with meat or cheese, then deep-fried.
Flauta is usually informal, culinary in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None specific to this culinary term.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Flauta' sounds like 'flute' – it's a long, thin, tube-shaped food, just like the shape of a flute.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD IS AN OBJECT -> THE FOOD ITEM IS A FLUTE (Shape-based).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'flauta' in English?