surf-'n'-turf: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, Commercial
Quick answer
What does “surf-'n'-turf” mean?
A restaurant dish consisting of seafood (surf) and red meat (turf), typically lobster or prawns with steak.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A restaurant dish consisting of seafood (surf) and red meat (turf), typically lobster or prawns with steak.
Any combination of seafood and meat on one menu or plate; metaphorically, a combination of two disparate but complementary elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term originated in North America and is far more common in US and Canadian English. In British English, it is understood but less frequently used; similar dishes might be described more literally (e.g., 'steak and lobster').
Connotations
Connotes a somewhat old-fashioned, hearty, and extravagant American-style meal. In the UK, it may sound like an Americanism.
Frequency
High frequency in North American restaurant contexts; low-to-medium frequency in the UK, mostly in chains or venues with an American theme.
Grammar
How to Use “surf-'n'-turf” in a Sentence
The restaurant serves a great surf-'n'-turf.We ordered surf-'n'-turf for two.It's famous for its surf-'n'-turf.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “surf-'n'-turf” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- They offer a surf-'n'-turf option on Sundays.
- It was a surf-'n'-turf kind of celebration.
American English
- We're thinking of getting the surf-'n'-turf special.
- The surf-'n'-turf platter is their signature dish.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in restaurant marketing, menu design, and hospitality industry discussions.
Academic
Rare; might appear in cultural studies discussing food terminology or Americanisms.
Everyday
Used when discussing restaurant choices or describing a meal.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “surf-'n'-turf”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “surf-'n'-turf”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “surf-'n'-turf”
- Writing it as 'surf and turf' without the apostrophes (the hyphenated form is standard).
- Using it as a verb (e.g., 'Let's surf-'n'-turf tonight').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is exclusively a noun (for the dish) or used attributively as an adjective (e.g., surf-'n'-turf platter).
Yes, 'surf and turf' is a common variant, though the hyphenated form 'surf-'n'-turf' is often considered the standard dictionary entry.
The classic combination is steak (often filet mignon or sirloin) and lobster tail or large prawns. Variations exist with other cuts of beef or different seafood like scallops.
No, by definition it contains meat and seafood. However, playful vegetarian versions might be called 'surf-'n'-turf' using meat and seafood substitutes.
A restaurant dish consisting of seafood (surf) and red meat (turf), typically lobster or prawns with steak.
Surf-'n'-turf is usually informal, commercial in register.
Surf-'n'-turf: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsɜːf ən ˈtɜːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsɜːrf ən ˈtɜːrf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A surf-'n'-turf of ideas (metaphorical use)”
- “The best of both worlds (related concept)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a surfer riding a wave (SURF) onto a grassy golf course (TURF) while holding a steak and a lobster.
Conceptual Metaphor
LAND AND SEA AS COMPLEMENTARY DOMAINS FOR INDULGENCE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary context for using 'surf-'n'-turf'?