How Do You Spell DELICATESSEN?

Pronunciation: [dˈɛlɪkˌatɛsən] (IPA)

Delicatessen is a word borrowed from German, where it is spelled Delikatessen. In English, the spelling reflects the pronunciation, with the stress on the second syllable and a schwa sound in the third syllable, which is why it is spelled "-essen" rather than "-assen." The initial "deli-" is pronounced with a long "e" sound, and the "cat-" is pronounced with a short "a." The final "-en" is pronounced with a schwa sound, making the full word sound like "del-i-kuh-TESS-en."

DELICATESSEN Meaning and Definition

  1. A delicatessen, often shortened as "deli," refers to a retail establishment or a section within a supermarket that specializes in high-quality, ready-to-eat food products and fine foods that are not commonly found in regular grocery stores. The term delicatessen originated from German-speaking countries and was initially associated with cured meats, sausages, and other cold cuts. However, its meaning has expanded over time.

    Delicatessens offer an array of gourmet food options, including cheeses, olives, smoked fish, pâtés, pickles, salads, spreads, bread, pastries, and various culinary delights from diverse cultural backgrounds. They prioritize quality, focusing on handcrafted, artisanal, and premium ingredients. Delis often emphasize freshness, especially in their sandwiches made to order, utilizing freshly baked bread, top-notch meats and cheeses, and diverse condiments.

    Beyond food, a delicatessen may also sell specialty items such as imported goods, condiments, spices, wines, craft beers, and other unique products that enhance the gastronomic experience. Some delis provide seating for customers to enjoy their meals, while others are strictly take-away establishments.

    Frequently, delicatessens are cherished by food enthusiasts who seek an alternative to standard supermarket fare and appreciate the attention to detail, personalized service, and culinary expertise that they offer. With their wide-ranging selection of appetizing options, delicatessens provide an avenue for individuals to explore and indulge in flavors and delicacies from various regions, thus adding diversity and sophistication to the food landscape.

Top Common Misspellings for DELICATESSEN *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DELICATESSEN

Etymology of DELICATESSEN

The word "delicatessen" has its roots in German. It is a compound noun formed by combining the word "delicate" (meaning "delicious" or "fine") with the suffix "-essen" (which means "eating" or "food" in German). So, "delicatessen" literally translates to "delicious food" or "fine eating". The term originated in Germany in the 19th century and was initially used to refer to specialty shops that sold high-quality, often imported, foods and delicacies. It later spread to English-speaking countries, where it became a term for shops and restaurants that offer a variety of prepared, ready-to-eat foods such as cold cuts, cheese, salads, and other gourmet items.

Similar spelling words for DELICATESSEN

Plural form of DELICATESSEN is DELICATESSENS