gigot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Technical (culinary); somewhat archaic in non-culinary contexts.
Quick answer
What does “gigot” mean?
A leg of lamb or mutton, especially when prepared for cooking.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A leg of lamb or mutton, especially when prepared for cooking.
Primarily a culinary term for a specific cut of meat; also used historically to refer to a leg-of-mutton sleeve (a puffed sleeve that is tight from elbow to wrist).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood in both varieties but is more commonly encountered in British and Commonwealth English cookery. In American English, 'leg of lamb' is the far more common term.
Connotations
In the UK, it carries connotations of traditional, often French-influenced, cookery. In the US, it is a highly specialized term, used primarily in high-end culinary contexts or by butchers with French training.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general American English; low-to-medium in specific British culinary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “gigot” in a Sentence
[The chef] roasted [a/the gigot].[The recipe] called for [a gigot] of [lamb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Potentially in historical studies of fashion or culinary history.
Everyday
Rare; 'leg of lamb' is overwhelmingly preferred.
Technical
Used in professional culinary and butchery contexts, and in historical costume descriptions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “gigot”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “gigot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gigot”
- Pronouncing it with a hard 'g' (/ˈɡɪɡət/). It is a French borrowing, typically pronounced with a soft 'g' (/ʒ/).
- Using it as a general term for any cut of lamb.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Predominantly, yes. While its core meaning is a leg of lamb or mutton, by strict definition it refers to that specific animal. It is not used for pork or beef legs.
The most common pronunciation in English follows the French origin: /ˈʒiːɡəʊ/ (zhee-go) in British English and /ˈʒiɡoʊ/ (zhee-go) in American English. An anglicized pronunciation /ˈdʒɪɡət/ (jig-uht) also exists but is less common.
No, 'gigot' is exclusively a noun in modern English.
There is no substantive difference in the cut of meat. 'Gigot' is simply the French-derived culinary term, often implying a specific style of preparation, while 'leg of lamb' is the everyday English term.
A leg of lamb or mutton, especially when prepared for cooking.
Gigot is usually formal, technical (culinary); somewhat archaic in non-culinary contexts. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a GIANT GOAT (sounds like 'gigot') but it's not goat—it's a giant leg of lamb!
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR MEAT (the sleeve meaning also fits CONTAINER FOR ARM).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'gigot' LEAST likely to be used?