souse: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Technical (culinary/butchery), Regional
Quick answer
What does “souse” mean?
To immerse something completely in a liquid, typically for preservation, flavoring, or cleaning.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To immerse something completely in a liquid, typically for preservation, flavoring, or cleaning.
To become extremely drunk; to soak thoroughly; to drench.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use all senses, but the 'drunk' sense may be slightly more common in informal British English. The culinary sense is understood in both but is specialist.
Connotations
The 'drunk' sense is informal and can imply a lack of control or a state of heavy intoxication. The culinary sense is neutral/technical.
Frequency
Low-frequency word overall. More likely encountered in historical contexts, regional dialects, or specific trades (butchery, cooking).
Grammar
How to Use “souse” in a Sentence
[NP] souse [NP] in [liquid][NP] get soused[NP] be soused in [liquid]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “souse” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The chef will souse the mackerel in a sharp vinegar pickle for two days.
- He managed to souse himself on cheap cider before the match even started.
American English
- To make the dish, you souse the pork hocks in a seasoned brine.
- They got absolutely soused at the tailgate party.
adjective
British English
- He was too soused to remember his own address.
- We bought some soused herrings from the market.
American English
- After the celebration, he was completely soused.
- The recipe calls for soused pig's feet.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in food production: 'The fish is soused in a vinegar solution.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical or cultural studies discussing food preservation.
Everyday
Informal for 'drunk': 'He came home completely soused last night.' Can be used for heavy soaking: 'The storm soused everyone at the bus stop.'
Technical
Used in butchery and charcuterie for certain pickled products, e.g., 'soused pig's trotters'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “souse”
- Using 'souse' for light sprinkling (requires complete immersion).
- Using the 'drunk' sense in formal contexts.
- Misspelling as 'souce'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word. It is most commonly encountered in its informal sense meaning 'drunk' or in specific culinary contexts.
They are often synonyms in food preparation. 'Souse' can specifically refer to pickling in a vinegar-based brine, often for meat or fish, and sometimes implies the food is also cooked in the brine. 'Pickle' is a more general term.
Yes, though less common. As a noun, it can refer to the pickling liquid itself, the act of sousing, or a drunkard (slang). E.g., 'The pork was stored in a spicy souse.'
It is informal and can be derogatory or humorous depending on context. It is not suitable for formal or polite conversation.
To immerse something completely in a liquid, typically for preservation, flavoring, or cleaning.
Souse is usually informal, technical (culinary/butchery), regional in register.
Souse: in British English it is pronounced /saʊs/, and in American English it is pronounced /saʊs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Soused to the gills (very drunk)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MOUSE falling into a SOUp bowl – it gets SOUSED (completely soaked).
Conceptual Metaphor
LIQUID IS AN AGENT OF TRANSFORMATION (pickling, getting drunk).
Practice
Quiz
In informal British English, 'He was completely soused' most likely means: