menudo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal (culinary context), Highly Informal/Slang (intensifier usage). The word is a culture-specific culinary term with a very niche extended usage.
Quick answer
What does “menudo” mean?
A spicy traditional Mexican soup/stew made with tripe (beef stomach) and hominy, often served as a hangover cure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A spicy traditional Mexican soup/stew made with tripe (beef stomach) and hominy, often served as a hangover cure.
A term used as an intensifier in Spanish-influenced American English meaning 'big', 'great', or 'a lot of', as in 'That's a menudo problem'. This usage is highly regional and informal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the word is virtually unknown except as a reference to world cuisine. In American English, it is recognized as a Mexican dish, and the slang intensifier usage has very limited, regional currency.
Connotations
UK: Exotic food. US (Southwest): Comfort food, traditional meal, hangover remedy; (slang) emphatic expression.
Frequency
Very low frequency in UK English. Low but recognizable frequency in US English, primarily in culinary and specific regional contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “menudo” in a Sentence
[Verb] + menudo: eat, cook, make, serve, order + menudoVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “menudo” in a Sentence
adjective
American English
- That's a menudo mess you've gotten yourself into. (Regional slang)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Might appear in anthropological, cultural, or culinary studies texts.
Everyday
Used in contexts discussing Mexican/Latin American cuisine. Slang use in very specific regional conversations.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “menudo”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “menudo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “menudo”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈmɛn.juː.doʊ/ (like 'menu').
- Using the slang intensifier in general English contexts where it is unknown.
- Assuming it is a common word for any kind of soup.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while it is famous for that purpose, it is a beloved traditional dish eaten for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, especially on weekends.
No. This usage is very specific regional slang and will not be understood by most English speakers. It's best avoided.
The defining ingredient is beef tripe (cow's stomach). It is also always made with hominy (dried maize kernels).
The stress is on the second syllable: me-NU-do. The 'e' is like in 'men', the 'u' like in 'blue'.
A spicy traditional Mexican soup/stew made with tripe (beef stomach) and hominy, often served as a hangover cure.
Menudo is usually informal (culinary context), highly informal/slang (intensifier usage). the word is a culture-specific culinary term with a very niche extended usage. in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: MENU + DO. The 'menu' item you 'do' on a Saturday morning to feel better after a big night out.
Conceptual Metaphor
HANGOVER CURE IS A POTENT SOUP (Primary cultural metaphor).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'menudo' MOST likely to be used in American English?