The spelling of the word "savoury" can be a bit tricky due to the inclusion of the letter "u" in the second syllable. However, this letter helps to differentiate the word from its homophone "savory", which has a different meaning. The correct IPA phonetic transcription for "savoury" is /ˈseɪvəri/ with the stress on the first syllable. The "ou" combination in the second syllable is pronounced like a short "uh" sound, which can be difficult for non-native English speakers to distinguish from the letter "o".
Savoury is an adjective that describes the taste, flavor, or smell of food as being pleasant, delicious, and appetizing. It refers to something that is not sweet but instead has a more salty, spicy, or tangy quality to it. It is commonly used to describe dishes that are flavorful, zesty, or piquant in nature.
In a culinary sense, savoury is used to classify dishes that are not desserts or sweet treats, but rather those that emphasize savory flavors and ingredients. Such dishes often contain herbs, spices, meat, or vegetables that give them a rich and full-bodied taste. Examples of savoury foods include soups, stews, roasts, curries, savory pies, and various international cuisines such as Italian, Mexican, or Asian.
Outside of the culinary context, savoury can also be used metaphorically to describe something enjoyable, satisfying, or pleasing. This can refer to experiences, activities, or even people that bring pleasure or contentment. In this sense, savoury implies a positive and gratifying quality that is distinct from sweetness or sugariness.
Overall, the term savoury encompasses the idea of flavorsome, appetizing, and satisfying characteristics often found in a wide range of food dishes while also extending to more abstract contexts of enjoyment, pleasure, and gratification.
• Pleasing to the taste or smell; relishing.
• An aromatic pot-herb.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "savoury" originated from the Old French term "savure", which was derived from the Latin word "sapor", meaning "taste" or "flavor". Over time, "savure" evolved into "savour" in Middle English and eventually became "savoury" in Modern English. The term originally referred to something that had a pleasing taste or aroma. Nowadays, "savoury" is commonly used to describe food that is salty or spicy, rather than sweet.