kebab menu
C1Technical / Informal
Definition
Meaning
A style of graphical computer user interface where a list of options becomes visible only when the user clicks on a small icon, often represented by three horizontal or vertical dots.
In broader UX/UI design, this pattern can refer to any hidden or overflow menu that reveals more actions. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe a hidden or secondary set of choices in any system.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is specific to computing and user interface design. It is an informal, jargon term derived from the visual similarity of the menu icon to meat on a skewer. It is not universally recognized outside tech circles and may be replaced by more formal terms like 'overflow menu', 'context menu', or 'hamburger menu' (though the latter typically refers to a different three-line icon for a main menu).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The term is equally niche in both varieties, used primarily in tech/design communities. The spelling of 'kebab' is consistent.
Connotations
Slightly playful, informal jargon. Conveys insider knowledge in tech/design fields.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English. Used almost exclusively within software development, UI/UX design, and tech journalism.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The user opens [the kebab menu][The kebab menu] contains [additional options]Look for [the three-dot kebab menu]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[It's] hidden in the kebab menu.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, unless in a tech business or product management context discussing UI features.
Academic
Extremely rare outside of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) or design papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used. An everyday user would say 'click the three dots'.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Common in developer documentation, design systems, and tech team discussions.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The settings were kebabbed to save space.
- They kebabbed the less common actions.
American English
- We should kebab those advanced options.
- The designer kebabbed the export functions.
adjective
British English
- It's a kebab-menu design pattern.
- Look for the kebab-menu icon.
American English
- A kebab-menu approach keeps the UI clean.
- The kebab-menu button is in the corner.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- On your phone, sometimes you click three dots for more choices.
- If you can't find the delete button, try the menu with three dots.
- The developer moved the advanced settings to the overflow menu to simplify the interface.
- The UI employs a kebab menu pattern to stow secondary actions, adhering to a minimalist design philosophy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine three pieces of meat (options) stacked on a single skewer (the vertical line of the icon). Clicking the skewer reveals you can take them off (select them).
Conceptual Metaphor
INTERFACE ELEMENTS ARE FOOD ITEMS (part of a set of such metaphors: hamburger menu, breadcrumb navigation). HIDDEN THINGS ARE CONTAINED OBJECTS (the icon is a container for the menu).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation as 'меню шашлыка' or 'меню кебаба'. This will not be understood in a tech context. Use descriptive phrases like 'меню с тремя точками' or the borrowed term 'кебаб-меню' only if explaining the jargon.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing it with a 'hamburger menu' (≡ icon for a main navigation drawer).
- Capitalising it as a proper noun ('Kebab Menu').
- Using it in formal writing without explanation.
Practice
Quiz
In user interface design, what is a 'kebab menu' primarily used for?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A hamburger menu (≡) typically toggles a primary navigation drawer or sidebar. A kebab menu (⋮) reveals a contextual list of actions for a specific item or area. They serve different hierarchical purposes in UI.
No, it is informal tech jargon. Formal documentation would use terms like 'overflow menu', 'context menu', or 'ellipsis menu'.
The icon (three vertical dots) is humorously said to resemble pieces of meat stacked on a skewer, similar to a kebab. It's part of a trend of naming UI patterns after food (e.g., hamburger menu, breadcrumbs).
No. With general users, describe the action instead: 'click the three dots', 'select "More"', or 'use the options menu'.