mee: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal / Culinary / Slang
Quick answer
What does “mee” mean?
A type of thin Asian wheat or rice noodle. A variant spelling of 'mi', used chiefly in Singaporean and Malaysian English contexts, especially in food names like 'Hokkien mee'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of thin Asian wheat or rice noodle. A variant spelling of 'mi', used chiefly in Singaporean and Malaysian English contexts, especially in food names like 'Hokkien mee'.
In various Asian cuisines, it refers to dishes centred around or named after these noodles. It can also be used informally as a clipped form of 'me' in internet/text slang.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In both varieties, it is primarily a culinary loanword. The slang usage as 'me' is more common in informal digital communication globally. No significant regional difference for the noodle meaning, though awareness may be higher in multicultural urban centres.
Connotations
Culinary: Neutral, specific to food. Slang: Very informal, childish, or playful.
Frequency
Extremely low in general discourse. Slightly higher in contexts discussing Southeast Asian cuisine or in certain online communities.
Grammar
How to Use “mee” in a Sentence
[Dish Name] + mee (e.g., Hokkien mee)mee + [Preparation] (e.g., mee fried)Slang: Subject + [verb] + mee (e.g., Tell mee)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mee” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- It's a mee-based dish.
- I prefer the mee soup.
American English
- Try the mee noodles.
- She ordered the mee plate.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually unused, except potentially in restaurant/food import business names.
Academic
Unused.
Everyday
Used in food contexts, especially when discussing or ordering specific Asian noodle dishes. Slang use in texting/messaging.
Technical
Unused.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mee”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mee”
- Using 'mee' as the standard spelling for 'me' in formal contexts.
- Capitalising it unnecessarily (e.g., 'for Mee').
- Assuming it is a common noun outside specific culinary terms.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'mee' is not a standard spelling for the pronoun 'me'. It is sometimes used in very informal digital communication (texting, gaming) for stylistic or playful effect, but it is considered incorrect in any formal writing.
'Mee' is a specific loanword from Hokkien Chinese (via Malay) referring to wheat or egg noodles, commonly used in the names of specific Southeast Asian dishes (e.g., Hokkien mee). 'Noodles' is the general English term for the food category.
Yes, 'mee' is a valid word in many Scrabble dictionaries, recognised as a noun meaning a type of noodle.
Not significantly for its primary meaning. It is a culinary term understood in both varieties where relevant. The informal, slang usage as 'me' is a global internet phenomenon, not tied to a specific national variety.
A type of thin Asian wheat or rice noodle. A variant spelling of 'mi', used chiefly in Singaporean and Malaysian English contexts, especially in food names like 'Hokkien mee'.
Mee is usually informal / culinary / slang in register.
Mee: in British English it is pronounced /miː/, and in American English it is pronounced /miː/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"MEE" sounds like "ME" eating a bowl of delicious nooDLEs. The extra 'e' is for 'extra enjoyment'.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD AS IDENTITY (in dish names), SELF AS SIMPLIFIED CHILD (in slang).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'mee' most appropriate in standard English?