shashlik: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
lowneutral/culinary
Quick answer
What does “shashlik” mean?
A dish of marinated, skewered and grilled cubes of meat, especially lamb, of Caucasian or Central Asian origin.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A dish of marinated, skewered and grilled cubes of meat, especially lamb, of Caucasian or Central Asian origin.
Any social event or meal centered around grilling skewered meat, often outdoors; can refer broadly to a style of barbecue.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is broadly similar, tied to ethnic restaurants and food writing. Slightly more recognized in the US due to a larger diaspora from relevant regions.
Connotations
Conveys an exotic, ethnic, or specialised culinary item in both varieties. May imply a more authentic or traditional preparation than generic 'kebab'.
Frequency
Very low frequency in general English. Appears primarily in food contexts, travel writing, or culturally specific discussions.
Grammar
How to Use “shashlik” in a Sentence
prepare [shashlik]grill [shashlik]marinate [meat] for shashlikserve [shashlik] with [flatbread]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in hospitality: 'The restaurant's USP is its oak-fired shashlik.'
Academic
Appears in anthropological, culinary history, or food studies texts discussing Caucasian/Central Asian cuisine.
Everyday
Used when discussing cooking, ethnic food, or planning an outdoor meal: 'Let's do shashlik in the garden.'
Technical
Used in professional culinary contexts specifying marinade ingredients, cut of meat, or grilling technique.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “shashlik”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “shashlik”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shashlik”
- Using 'shashlik' as a verb (e.g., 'Let's shashlik some chicken').
- Confusing it with 'satay' (Southeast Asian) or 'souvlaki' (Greek).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Shashlik is of Caucasian/Central Asian origin, often with a vinegar-onion marinade. Shish kebab is Turkish, often with oil and herb-based marinades. The terms are sometimes used interchangeably in English, but purists note regional differences.
Yes, while lamb is traditional, beef, chicken, and pork are common variations. The key is the cubing, marinating, and skewering method.
Grilled lean meat can be part of a healthy diet. However, potential health considerations include charring from high heat and the fat content of the meat used.
You need skewers (metal or wooden) and a grill or very hot barbecue. A traditional mangal grill is used in the Caucasus, but any grill with good heat will work.
A dish of marinated, skewered and grilled cubes of meat, especially lamb, of Caucasian or Central Asian origin.
Shashlik is usually neutral/culinary in register.
Shashlik: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃæʃlɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɑːʃlɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[have/throw] a shashlik party”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a sizzling SHAck on a SHeLf with a stICK through it -> SHASH-LIK.
Conceptual Metaphor
FOOD IS A CULTURAL EVENT; the skewer is a unifying thread (literally and socially).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary characteristic of shashlik?