skewer
C1neutral, slightly informal when used figuratively
Definition
Meaning
A long, thin metal or wooden pin used to hold pieces of food, especially meat, together during cooking.
To criticize or attack someone or something severely and publicly; or, to pierce or impale something with a sharp, pointed object.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The core culinary sense is concrete and literal. The figurative sense of criticizing or attacking is an extension of the physical act of piercing. Rarely used as a verb in a literal sense outside of cooking contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The verb is more commonly used figuratively (to criticize harshly) in US media/politics.
Connotations
Neutral for the noun (culinary). The verb can have aggressive, violent, or humorous connotations depending on context.
Frequency
The noun is of equal frequency. The figurative verb usage is more frequent in American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + OBJECT (He skewered the meat.)VERB + OBJECT + PREP 'on' (She skewered the peppers on a stick.)VERB + OBJECT (figurative: The interviewer skewered the minister.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “skewer someone on their own petard (rare variant of 'hoist')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Figuratively: 'The CEO was skewered by the board for the failed merger.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical/culinary studies.
Everyday
Common for the noun in cooking. Figurative verb in news/political discussion.
Technical
Specific to culinary arts and butchery.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- Soak the bamboo skewers before use to prevent burning.
- The journalist deftly skewered the MP's hypocrisy during the interview.
American English
- Skewer the shrimp and vegetables alternately.
- The comedian skewered the former president's mannerisms in her routine.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We put meat and vegetables on a skewer.
- The kebab is cooked on a long metal skewer.
- Before grilling, you should soak wooden skewers in water.
- She carefully threaded the chunks of lamb onto the skewer.
- The recipe calls for the chicken to be marinated, then skewered and grilled.
- His latest article skewers the government's environmental policy as ineffective.
- The satay was perfectly charred, each skewer laden with tender, spiced meat.
- During the debate, she masterfully skewered her opponent's flawed logic, leaving him flustered.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BBQ SCREWER – it's like a screw you use to skewer meat. 'Screw' sounds like 'skew' in skewer.
Conceptual Metaphor
CRITICISM/ATTACK IS PIERCING ('Her comments skewered his argument').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'skiver' (уклоняться от работы).
- The noun 'шампур' is a perfect translation for the culinary tool.
- The verb 'пронзить' or 'разнести' (fig.) capture the sense.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'skuer' or 'skewar'.
- Using the verb literally for non-food items (e.g., 'He skewered the paper to the wall' is odd; 'pinned' is better).
Practice
Quiz
In a political context, what does it mean to 'skewer' an opponent?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily as a noun in everyday cooking contexts. The verb, especially the figurative use, is common in journalism and political commentary.
A skewer is generally smaller, for holding pieces of food. A spit is a larger rod for roasting a whole animal or large joint over a fire.
Rarely. Its core meaning involves piercing. You might see it in a technical sense like 'the component was skewered by a mounting pin', but this is uncommon.
It is considered neutral but vivid. It is acceptable in newspapers, commentary, and semi-formal writing, but might be too metaphorical for very formal academic or legal documents.