goulash: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal for culinary meaning; specialised for card game meaning.
Quick answer
What does “goulash” mean?
A rich, hearty stew of meat and vegetables, seasoned with paprika, originating in Hungary.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rich, hearty stew of meat and vegetables, seasoned with paprika, originating in Hungary.
In the context of card games (especially bridge), a deal where the cards are dealt in an unusual manner or pre-arranged for practice. Informally, it can refer to any confused mixture or jumble.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The culinary sense is understood in both. The card game sense (Bridge) is known but niche. The 'jumble/mixture' sense is slightly more common in American informal usage.
Connotations
Connotes warmth, heartiness, and Eastern European cuisine. The metaphorical 'mixture' sense can have slightly negative connotations of disorganisation.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, but recognised by most adults. Higher frequency in food/cooking contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “goulash” in a Sentence
[verb] + goulash (eat/make/serve)goulash + [prep] + [noun] (goulash with noodles)adjective + goulash (authentic goulash)Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical: 'The report was a goulash of conflicting data.'
Academic
Very rare outside culinary or cultural studies.
Everyday
Mostly in cooking/eating contexts. 'What's for dinner?' 'I made a goulash.'
Technical
Specific term in contract bridge for a practice format.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “goulash”
- Mispronunciation: /ɡaʊˈlæʃ/ (gow-lash).
- Misspelling: 'goulasch', 'goulash'.
- Overusing the metaphorical sense.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while beef is traditional, variations exist with pork, veal, or even as a vegetable stew.
Paprika is the essential and defining spice, giving it its characteristic flavour and red colour.
No, 'goulash' is exclusively a noun in standard English usage.
It is a specialised term known mainly within the bridge community, not in general use.
A rich, hearty stew of meat and vegetables, seasoned with paprika, originating in Hungary.
Goulash is usually informal for culinary meaning; specialised for card game meaning. in register.
Goulash: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡuː.læʃ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡuː.lɑːʃ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a goulash of ideas”
- “political goulash”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'GOULd' of Hungary makes a deLASHcious stew -> Goulash.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MIXTURE IS A STEW (e.g., a goulash of musical styles).
Practice
Quiz
Which of these is NOT a common meaning or use of 'goulash'?