soupcon: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Very Low Frequency)Formal, Literary, occasionally Culinary
Quick answer
What does “soupcon” mean?
A very small amount.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very small amount; a hint or trace of something.
Often used metaphorically to indicate a subtle, barely perceptible quality, element, or suspicion.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar, though perhaps slightly more common in British English due to stronger French influence. In American English, it is almost exclusively found in literary or very formal contexts.
Connotations
Both varieties perceive it as a sophisticated, somewhat pretentious borrowing. It implies the speaker/writer has a refined vocabulary.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. More likely encountered in written texts (reviews, novels, haute cuisine descriptions) than in speech.
Grammar
How to Use “soupcon” in a Sentence
[noun phrase] + with + a soupçon of + [noun]a soupçon of + [abstract noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “soupcon” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The sauce was perfect, with just a soupçon of tarragon.
- He detected a soupçon of condescension in her tone.
American English
- Her smile held a soupçon of mischief.
- The critic found the play lacking, save for a soupçon of wit in the final act.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Rare; might appear in literary criticism or philosophical texts to describe a subtle element.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would sound affected.
Technical
Occasionally in haute cuisine or perfume/wine tasting notes to describe a subtle flavour note.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “soupcon”
- Misspelling as 'soupcon' (without cedilla).
- Overusing it, making speech sound pretentious.
- Mispronouncing the final nasal vowel (/ɒ̃/ or /ɑːn/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a very low-frequency, formal word borrowed from French. Using it in everyday conversation can sound pretentious.
Yes, for correct spelling. The cedilla indicates the 'c' is pronounced /s/, not /k/. Omitting it is a common spelling mistake.
No, by definition it means a very small amount or hint. Using it for a large quantity would be incorrect and contradictory.
'Hint', 'touch', or 'dash' are much more common and natural synonyms in most contexts.
A very small amount.
Soupcon is usually formal, literary, occasionally culinary in register.
Soupcon: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpsɒ̃/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsuːpsɑːn/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this low-frequency word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a tiny 'spoon' (soup-) for a tiny amount, but it's French, so it's fancy.
Conceptual Metaphor
QUANTITY IS SIZE (a very small size representing a small amount).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'soupçon' MOST appropriately used?