mincemeat: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal for the culinary term; informal for the figurative idiom.
Quick answer
What does “mincemeat” mean?
A sweet, spiced mixture of chopped dried fruit, suet, and sometimes alcohol, used as a filling for pies, especially at Christmas.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A sweet, spiced mixture of chopped dried fruit, suet, and sometimes alcohol, used as a filling for pies, especially at Christmas.
Figuratively, something that has been thoroughly destroyed, defeated, or chopped into tiny pieces (as in the idiom 'make mincemeat of').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The culinary term is known in both varieties but is more culturally central in British/Irish/Commonwealth contexts due to the tradition of mince pies. The figurative idiom is common in both.
Connotations
In the UK, it strongly evokes Christmas tradition. In the US, it may be less familiar as a food item, with some confusing it with 'minced meat' (ground meat).
Frequency
Higher frequency in UK English due to cultural relevance of the food. The idiom's frequency is similar.
Grammar
How to Use “mincemeat” in a Sentence
[make] + mincemeat + [of + NP][verb + object] + into mincemeatVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mincemeat” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used literally. Figuratively: 'The new competitor made mincemeat of our market share.'
Academic
Very rare, except in historical or cultural studies of food.
Everyday
Common in cooking contexts (UK) and in the figurative idiom (both).
Technical
Not used in technical fields.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mincemeat”
- Using 'mincemeat' to mean 'minced meat' (ground meat). Writing as two words: 'mince meat'. Using it as a countable noun (*a mincemeat).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Modern mincemeat rarely contains actual meat. Historically, it contained minced meat, but today it's primarily a mixture of chopped dried fruit, spices, suet (beef fat), and sometimes brandy or rum.
'Mincemeat' is the sweet pie filling. 'Minced meat' (or 'ground meat' in US English) refers to meat that has been finely chopped, like beef mince.
No, 'mincemeat' is only a noun. The related verb is 'to mince' (to chop finely).
Yes, it's a common, vivid idiom in both British and American English to describe defeating or destroying someone/something completely, either physically or in argument/competition.
A sweet, spiced mixture of chopped dried fruit, suet, and sometimes alcohol, used as a filling for pies, especially at Christmas.
Mincemeat is usually formal for the culinary term; informal for the figurative idiom. in register.
Mincemeat: in British English it is pronounced /ˈmɪnsmiːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈmɪnsˌmit/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “make mincemeat of (someone/something)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'Mincemeat' for pies is NOT meat; it's a 'minced' (chopped) 'treat' (sweet mixture). The 'meat' is a historical relic.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESTRUCTION IS CHOPPING INTO FOOD (Making mincemeat of an opponent).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary meaning of 'mincemeat' in British culinary tradition?