shirley temple: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
IntermediateInformal, primarily conversational, occasionally seen on menus.
Quick answer
What does “shirley temple” mean?
A non-alcoholic cocktail for children, made with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and a splash of grenadine, garnished with a maraschino cherry.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A non-alcoholic cocktail for children, made with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and a splash of grenadine, garnished with a maraschino cherry.
Refers to both the iconic child actress from the 1930s and the drink named in her honour. By extension, can refer to any non-alcoholic mixed drink or the specific curled hairstyle she wore.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Concept is equally understood in both varieties. The name of the actress is known, but the drink may be less frequently ordered by name in the UK.
Connotations
In the US, evokes nostalgia; standard menu item for children. In the UK, perceived as a somewhat American concept.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American English due to its status as a classic, named drink. In British English, a request for a 'fruit juice and lemonade' or 'ginger ale with cherry' might be more common.
Grammar
How to Use “shirley temple” in a Sentence
She ordered a Shirley Temple.They serve Shirley Temples at the bar.Make it a Shirley Temple for the young lady.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shirley temple” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- She has a very Shirley Temple-esque hairstyle.
- The party had a Shirley Temple vibe with all the sweet drinks.
American English
- He gave a Shirley Temple smile, all sweetness and curls.
- It was a Shirley Temple kind of evening, totally wholesome.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear on a bar/restaurant menu or in hospitality training.
Academic
Rare, except in film history or cultural studies discussing the actress.
Everyday
Common when ordering drinks for children at restaurants, bars, or parties.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shirley temple”
- Capitalising incorrectly (it is a proper noun: Shirley Temple).
- Using it as a generic term for any juice (it's a specific mix).
- Pronouncing 'Temple' as /ˈtɑːmpəl/ instead of /ˈtɛmpəl/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is specifically a non-alcoholic cocktail, named after the child star.
Absolutely. It is a popular choice for designated drivers or anyone preferring a non-alcoholic beverage.
The classic recipe is ginger ale or lemon-lime soda topped with a splash of grenadine syrup and garnished with a maraschino cherry.
It was created in the 1930s, during the peak of her fame, as a special drink for her and other children when dining in restaurants that served alcohol.
A non-alcoholic cocktail for children, made with ginger ale or lemon-lime soda and a splash of grenadine, garnished with a maraschino cherry.
Shirley temple is usually informal, primarily conversational, occasionally seen on menus. in register.
Shirley temple: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɜːli ˈtɛmpəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɝːli ˈtɛmpəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Too much of a Shirley Temple (derogatory, implying something is overly sweet, childish, or lacking substance)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a little temple of sweet, fizzy delight for a curly-haired child star.
Conceptual Metaphor
SWEETNESS IS CHILDISHNESS / INNOCENCE IS A NON-ALCOHOLIC DRINK.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'Shirley Temple' primarily known as today?