What does mincemeat mean?
Mincemeat is finely chopped meat, most often pork or a mixture of meats, that is commonly combined with seasonings and used as a filling for pies, tarts, and pastries. In everyday culinary contexts, it generally refers to the prepared meat mixture rather than to meat that is being chopped at that moment. The word can also be used figuratively for a collection of small fragments: something broken, scattered, or reduced to pieces may be described as mincemeat. A familiar idiom, "make mincemeat of," means to defeat, destroy, or overwhelm someone or something. Although mincemeat is related to the verb "mince," the compound is especially associated with traditional British and American savory pies. Its dual culinary and figurative uses make it a vivid example of how food terms can describe both physical textures and metaphorical results.
Finely chopped or minced meat, especially a seasoned mixture used as a filling for pies, pastries, and tarts.
"The cook spooned the spiced mincemeat into the pastry case."
Often used for a mixture containing pork, raisins, fruit, spices, and other ingredients, depending on the recipe.
A small, scattered collection of fragments or pieces.
"The shattered sculpture lay in mincemeat across the pavement."
This figurative sense is common in idiomatic expressions such as "make mincemeat of."
Usually treated as an uncountable noun; the plural is uncommon and is chiefly needed when referring to separate portions or varieties of the dish.
"The shop sells several different mincemeats, including traditional pork and chicken versions."
Mincemeat can describe a savory pie filling, but it can also describe what happens when something is shattered into tiny pieces.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does mincemeat come from?
Mincemeat is an English compound formed from "mince" and "meat." The word "mince" comes through Middle English from Old French mincer, although the ultimate origin of the French term is uncertain. The compound developed in English in the context of culinary preparation, with its modern strongly culinary association becoming established over time. Its figurative uses develop by extension from the idea of meat being reduced to small pieces.
How mincemeat is actually used
The culinary sense is common in British and American English. The figurative sense is often used in phrases such as "make mincemeat of," meaning to defeat or destroy completely.
Easily confused with mincemeat
Mince is the finely chopped preparation itself, while mincemeat is minced meat used particularly as a filling or ingredient.