limburger: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareInformal, sometimes humorous or descriptive
Quick answer
What does “limburger” mean?
A strong-smelling soft cheese originally made in the historical regions of Limburg (Belgium, Netherlands, Germany).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong-smelling soft cheese originally made in the historical regions of Limburg (Belgium, Netherlands, Germany).
A noun referring specifically to this pungent cheese. It is also used in the phrase 'Limburger cheese.'
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The cheese is known in both cultures primarily as a cultural reference to extreme odor.
Connotations
Strongly associated with a very pungent, offensive smell. Often used humorously or hyperbolically to describe something malodorous.
Frequency
Equally rare in both dialects. More likely encountered in comedic contexts, cartoons, or discussions of smelly cheeses than in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “limburger” in a Sentence
[subject] smells like limburger[determiner] + limburger (cheese)the smell of limburgerVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “limburger” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Not used as a verb.
American English
- Not used as a verb.
adverb
British English
- Not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- Not standardly used as an adjective. Attributive use is rare: 'a limburger aroma'.
American English
- Not standardly used as an adjective. Attributive use is rare: 'a limburger smell'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in specialty food import/export or gourmet retail.
Academic
Very rare, potentially in historical or culinary studies.
Everyday
Used humorously to describe a bad smell. 'What died in here? It smells like limburger!'
Technical
In dairy science or cheesemaking contexts to describe a specific bacterially-ripened cheese.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “limburger”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “limburger”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “limburger”
- Misspelling as 'Limburgher' or 'Limburgar'. Using it as a general adjective for smell outside of hyperbolic simile ('The limburger room' is odd; 'The room smelled of limburger' is correct).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is still produced in several countries, including Belgium, Germany, and the United States.
The strong smell comes from the bacterium Brevibacterium linens used in its ripening process, which is also associated with human body odor.
It's used humorously or hyperbolically in similes (e.g., 'smells like limburger'), but it is not a standard adjective like 'rancid' or 'putrid'.
Liederkranz was an American imitation of Limburger. While similar, they were distinct brands/recipes. Liederkranz production has been discontinued and revived variably.
A strong-smelling soft cheese originally made in the historical regions of Limburg (Belgium, Netherlands, Germany).
Limburger is usually informal, sometimes humorous or descriptive in register.
Limburger: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɪmbɜːɡə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɪmˌbɜːrɡər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None directly associated.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'Limb' (like an arm) and 'burger'. Imagine a burger so old and smelly it makes your limbs go weak.
Conceptual Metaphor
EXTREME/UNPLEASANT SMELL IS LIMBURGER (e.g., 'His socks were pure limburger').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary cultural association of the word 'limburger' in English?