LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 26:4 April 2026
ISSN 1930-2940

Editors:
         Selvi M. Bunce, M.A., Ed.D.
         Nathan Mulder Bunce, M.A., Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         T. Deivasigamani, Ph.D.
         Pammi Pavan Kumar, Ph.D.
         Soibam Rebika Devi, M.Sc., Ph.D.

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From Kitchen to Language: How food influenced the growth of English vocabulary and expressions

Yashwini Nivashini B. and
Dr. Sreejana S.

Abstract

This paper explores the interesting link between our diet and how we communicate. We will examine how culinary history has influenced the English language. For example, the Norman conquest introduced French food terms into English, such as “cow” versus “beef.” The paper looks at cognitive linguistics, focusing on why we use food to express human behavior and feelings. In English, many words, idioms, and expressions relate to food, reflecting cultural exchanges, trade, and shared daily life experiences.
Additionally, a small survey was conducted among students to gauge their awareness and use of food-related expressions in English. The responses indicate that these expressions are widely recognized and commonly used in everyday conversations. Such food-related phrases often make communication more vivid, relatable, and culturally significant. Overall, the study illustrates that food is not only a basic human need but also a strong cultural influence that has shaped how people use and understand the English language.

Keywords: Food and Language, Culinary linguistics, Food vocabulary, Language evolution, Food metaphors, Linguistic development, modern food slang.

Introduction

Language is closely tied to different experiences in everyday life. Among these experiences, food plays a significant role. Food is not just a basic need for survival; it also symbolizes culture. Since food is essential to daily life, it naturally finds its way into language. Food appears in vocabulary, idiomatic expressions, metaphors, and phrases.

The English language has evolved over time, influenced by cultural interactions and exchanges. As a result, many food-related words have been added to the language. Words such as pizza, curry, ketchup, and chocolate serve as examples of this food-related vocabulary. These terms have come from various cultures. Besides vocabulary, food-related expressions have also made their way into the language. Phrases like piece of cake, spill the beans, and bring home the bacon illustrate how food-related expressions have been integrated into English.

This research paper aims to explore how food-related vocabulary and expressions have become part of the language. It will also examine how people understand and use these food-related expressions.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Yashwini Nivashini B.
I Year Aeronautical Engineering Student
Kumaraguru College of Technology
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
yashwininivashini.25ae@kct.ac.in
&
Dr. Sreejana S.
Assistant Professor and Head
Department of Languages and Communication
Kumaraguru College of Technology
Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India
sreejana.s.sci@kct.ac.in

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