momo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, Culinary, Internet Slang
Quick answer
What does “momo” mean?
A type of steamed or fried dumpling filled with meat or vegetables, originating from Nepal, Tibet, and surrounding Himalayan regions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of steamed or fried dumpling filled with meat or vegetables, originating from Nepal, Tibet, and surrounding Himalayan regions.
In some contexts, can refer to a beloved person or thing (slang, affectionate term), or to a specific type of internet meme (derived from 'momentum').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally foreign to both dialects. Awareness may be slightly higher in UK due to larger Nepalese diaspora.
Connotations
Exotic food, ethnic cuisine, street food.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English. Usage is concentrated around discussions of food, travel, or specific cultural contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “momo” in a Sentence
eat [momo]order [momo]make [momo]serve [momo] with [sauce]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “momo” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We're going to momo tonight at that new Nepalese place.
- She learned to momo from her Tibetan grandmother.
American English
- Let's momo for dinner.
- He momos like a professional.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial use]
American English
- [No standard adverbial use]
adjective
British English
- The momo stall was very popular.
- We had a proper momo feast.
American English
- This is my favorite momo restaurant.
- The momo sauce is incredible.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in a restaurant menu or food import/export context.
Academic
Rare. Could appear in anthropological, culinary, or regional studies.
Everyday
Used when discussing food, especially ethnic cuisine or travel experiences.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “momo”
- Using it as a countable noun only in singular ('a momo' is correct, 'momos' is the plural).
- Assuming it is a Japanese word (it is Himalayan).
- Misspelling as 'momo's' (apostrophe not needed for simple plural).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While similar in concept (filled dough), momos are a distinct dish from the Himalayan region (Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan) with their own specific spices, shapes, and cooking methods.
In very informal, playful contexts, especially among food enthusiasts, it can be used to mean 'to eat momos' (e.g., 'Let's go momoing'). This is not standard English.
It is pronounced with a long 'o' sound in both syllables: MOH-moh. The first syllable is stressed.
No, it is a low-frequency loanword. Its use is almost entirely confined to contexts involving Himalayan cuisine, travel, or specific cultural discussions.
A type of steamed or fried dumpling filled with meat or vegetables, originating from Nepal, Tibet, and surrounding Himalayan regions.
Momo is usually informal, culinary, internet slang in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No established idioms for 'momo']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MOMO' as 'MOre MOre' – you always want more of these delicious dumplings.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMFORT IS WARM FOOD (The steamed momo provides warmth and comfort).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'momo' primarily?