Pronunciation: [kˈʊkɪŋ fɔː] (IPA) 
The spelling of "cooking for" is straightforward once you understand the IPA phonetic transcription. "Cooking" is pronounced as /ˈkʊkɪŋ/, with a short "u" sound, a hard "k" sound, and an "ing" ending. "For" is pronounced as /fɔːr/, with a long "o" sound and a silent "r". Together, the phrase is pronounced as /ˈkʊkɪŋ fɔːr/. This phrase simply means to prepare food to be eaten by someone else or with someone else.
Cooking for is the act or process of preparing and making food with the intention of serving or feeding someone else. It involves various activities and techniques, such as gathering ingredients, measuring, mixing, chopping, slicing, and cooking food items using heat sources like stoves, ovens, or grills. The purpose of cooking for others is to provide sustenance, nourishment, and enjoyment through a well-prepared and flavorful meal.
When cooking for someone, the individual takes on the responsibility of selecting appropriate ingredients that align with the person's dietary preferences, restrictions, or requirements. This may include considering allergies, cultural preferences, or dietary restrictions such as gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan diets. Additionally, cooking for someone involves planning and organizing meals, considering balanced nutrition, presentation, and taste.
Cooking for others often involves showcasing culinary skills, creativity, and hospitality. It can encompass diverse cuisines, traditional recipes, or experimental cooking styles. Furthermore, cooking for someone may include the additional consideration of portion sizes, ensuring that the quantity of food prepared is adequate for the number of individuals being served.
Overall, cooking for is a multifaceted process that combines technical skills, culinary knowledge, and consideration of the preferences and needs of those being served. It is an act of care and hospitality, aiming to create enjoyable and memorable dining experiences for others.
The phrase "cooking for" does not have a distinct etymology of its own, as it is a combination of two separate words: "cooking" and "for".
The word "cooking" is derived from the Old English word "cocung", which referred to the action of preparing or processing food. It is related to the Middle English word "coquen" and the Old High German word "chocchen", both of which share the same meaning.
The word "for" originated from the Old English word "foran", which denoted a sense of direction or purpose. It is closely related to the Old Norse word "fyrir" and the Gothic word "faur". In English, "for" is commonly used to express the reason, goal, intention, or recipient of an action.
