schnitzel: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2informal, culinary
Quick answer
What does “schnitzel” mean?
A thin slice of meat, typically veal or pork, that is breaded and fried.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A thin slice of meat, typically veal or pork, that is breaded and fried.
A culinary dish consisting of a tenderized, breaded, and pan-fried cutlet. The term is also used informally to refer humorously to a small or thin person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'schnitzel' is recognized as a specific European dish. In the US, it's sometimes used more generically for any breaded cutlet, and the term 'Wiener Schnitzel' is more common for the authentic version.
Connotations
UK: evokes continental cuisine, German/Austrian restaurants. US: often associated with generic 'fried cutlet' diner food unless specified as 'Wiener Schnitzel'.
Frequency
Low frequency in general conversation; higher in culinary/travel contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “schnitzel” in a Sentence
have [a schnitzel]order [the schnitzel]make [schnitzel]fry [a schnitzel]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “schnitzel” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I'm going to schnitzel this pork loin for tonight's supper.
- He expertly schnitzelled the veal cutlets.
American English
- She schnitzeled the chicken breasts before frying them.
- Can you schnitzel these for me?
adjective
British English
- This pub does a decent schnitzel meal.
- He's got a very schnitzel-like physique these days (humorous).
American English
- I'm in the mood for some schnitzel action.
- That's a classic schnitzel joint.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in restaurant supply, food import/export, or hospitality management contexts.
Academic
Occurs in culinary history, food studies, or cultural anthropology papers discussing Central European cuisine.
Everyday
Used when discussing meals, restaurant choices, travel experiences, or cooking.
Technical
Specific in culinary arts: denotes a preparation method involving tenderizing, breading, and frying.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “schnitzel”
- Pronouncing the 'sch' as /sk/ (like in 'school') instead of /ʃ/ (like in 'shoe').
- Using 'schnitzel' to refer to a thick steak.
- Misspelling as 'shnitzel', 'snitzel', or 'schnizel'.
- Confusing 'schnitzel' (the dish) with 'strudel' (the pastry).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While 'Wiener Schnitzel' is a protected term in some regions and must be made from veal, the word 'schnitzel' on its own can refer to cutlets made from pork, chicken, turkey, or even vegetables.
All schnitzels are cutlets, but not all cutlets are schnitzels. 'Schnitzel' specifically denotes a cutlet that has been tenderized, breaded (usually with flour, egg, and breadcrumbs), and then fried. A 'cutlet' is a broader term for a thin slice of meat.
Yes, informally in culinary contexts. To 'schnitzel' means to prepare meat in the schnitzel style: tenderizing, breading, and frying. (e.g., 'I'm going to schnitzel this chicken.')
Traditional sides include potato salad (warm or cold), french fries (pommes frites), parsley potatoes, lingonberry jam, or a simple green salad with a vinaigrette. A lemon wedge is almost always served alongside.
A thin slice of meat, typically veal or pork, that is breaded and fried.
Schnitzel is usually informal, culinary in register.
Schnitzel: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃnɪt.səl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃnɪt.səl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not exactly] a walk in the park/schnitzel (humorous, rare)”
- “to be as thin as a schnitzel (humorous)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a SNITCH (sounds like 'schnit') telling secrets while eating a delicious breaded ZEL (from pretzel) – a SNITCH-ZEL is a breaded cutlet.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD IS A CULTURAL ARTIFACT; A DISH IS A REPRESENTATIVE OF A NATION (e.g., 'The schnitzel is a staple of Austrian cuisine').
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of a schnitzel's preparation?