gourmandise: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal / Literary
Quick answer
What does “gourmandise” mean?
To indulge in eating and drinking to excess.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To indulge in eating and drinking to excess.
To enjoy good food and drink, often in a manner that implies greed or a lack of restraint; to feast or revel in eating.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word "gourmandise" is equally rare in both varieties, but the noun "gourmand" (and by extension the verb) may be slightly more familiar in British English, often appearing in culinary or literary contexts. The French spelling is retained.
Connotations
In both varieties, the primary connotation is of indulgent, even greedy, eating. In AmE, it may be perceived as an esoteric or pretentious term.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in everyday speech. Almost exclusively found in formal writing, culinary literature, or historical texts.
Grammar
How to Use “gourmandise” in a Sentence
S-V (intransitive): They would gourmandise late into the night.S-V-PP (intransitive + prepositional phrase with 'on'): He gourmandised on truffles and foie gras.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “gourmandise” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- After the Christmas service, the family would traditionally gourmandise on roast goose and plum pudding.
- The historical text warned nobility not to gourmandise while the peasants starved.
American English
- The food critic was known to gourmandise at every new restaurant he reviewed.
- Their vacation plan was simple: gourmandise on lobster rolls and clam chowder all week.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rare, potentially in historical, literary, or cultural studies texts discussing feasting or consumption.
Everyday
Virtually never used in casual conversation.
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “gourmandise”
- Using it as a noun (the noun is "gourmandising" or "gourmandism").
- Spelling it as "gourmetise."
- Using it in a purely positive sense without contextual support.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically negative or neutral-contextual, implying excess. It lacks the purely positive connotation of 'gourmet.'
No. The verb is 'to gourmandise.' The related nouns are 'gourmandising' (the act) and 'gourmandism' (the practice or characteristic).
'Gourmet' is a noun/adjective for a connoisseur of fine food and drink (positive). 'Gourmandise' is a verb describing the act of overindulging in food (often negative). A gourmet appreciates quality; a gourmand (who gourmandises) appreciates quantity.
No, it is very rare and considered a formal or literary term. Most native speakers would use phrases like 'overindulge,' 'gorge,' or 'feast' instead.
To indulge in eating and drinking to excess.
Gourmandise is usually formal / literary in register.
Gourmandise: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡʊəmɒndiːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡʊrmɑnˈdiːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To make a pig of oneself (colloquial equivalent).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: "GOURMand" + "ISE" – a GOURMAND is a lover of good food who IS Excessively indulgent.
Conceptual Metaphor
ENJOYMENT IS CONSUMPTION, EXCESS IS GLUTTONY.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary connotation of the verb 'to gourmandise'?