The Merriam Webster Dictionary continually evaluates language to decide on new words that have become part of our lexicon and should be added to the dictionary with a definition of use. This year nine food words were added.
Omakase (noun) is small servings or courses, usually sushi, offered at a fixed price with the selection of foods left to the chef’s discretion. The word was popularized in the 2013 cult film Jiro Dreams of Sushi.
Banh mi (noun) is typically a spicy sandwich in Vietnamese culture served on a split baguette and filled with pork or chicken and pickled vegetables, garnished with cilantro and often cucumbers.
Plant-based (adjective) is a food made primarily from plants.
Sessionable (adjective) a beverage with a light body and lower-than-average percentage of alcohol. People are looking for lower proof beverages that they can comfortably drink in multiples.
Oat milk (noun) a milk substitute made from ground oats and water and typically fortified with calcium and vitamins.
Birria (noun) a Mexican dish of seasoned stewed meat usually containing chili peppers.
Mojo (noun) sauce, marinade or seasoning with zip that originated in Cuban cuisine made of olive oil, garlic, citrus juice, and spices.
Ras el hanout (noun) a mixture of ground spices used in northern African cooking that typically includes coriander, ginger, turmeric, peppercorns, cumin, cinnamon, cardamon, cayenne pepper, and other spices.
Pumpkin spice (noun) a mixture of spices commonly used to make pumpkin pie that may include cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice.
