Definition of mince

minceverb

băm

/mɪns//mɪns/

The origin of the word "mince" can be traced back to the Middle English word "mencen," which referred to a small, cut food item. This word evolved from the Old French word "menestre," which had a broader meaning of "cook" or "household manager." The verb "to mince" emerged during the 16th century and referred to the act of cutting food into small, delicate pieces. This meaning was likely influenced by the fact that meat products, such as minced meat or mincemeat, were becoming increasingly popular during this time. Ultimately, the term "mince" used to describe someone's walking style came about during the 19th century, as people began to use the word to refer to a fancy, overly precise way of moving, potentially influenced by the earlier meaning of the word. Interestingly, the word "mince" also appears in some dialects to describe a rude act, possibly because in some regions, the word "mince" was also associated with the act of imitating someone or masking the truth, making it potentially synonymous with an insulting or deceitful act. Overall, the origin of the word "mince" is a fascinating example of how a single word can evolve and take on new meanings over time, while remaining connected to its roots.

Summary
type danh từ
meaningthịt băm, thịt thái nhỏ, thịt vụn
examplemince of beef: thịt bò thái nhỏ
type ngoại động từ
meaningbăm, thái nhỏ, cắt nhỏ
examplemince of beef: thịt bò thái nhỏ
meaningnói õng ẹo
namespace

to cut food, especially meat, into very small pieces using a special machine (called a mincer)

cắt thức ăn, đặc biệt là thịt, thành những miếng rất nhỏ bằng máy đặc biệt (gọi là máy xay)

Example:
  • minced beef

    bò băm

  • She minced through the crowded room, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

    Cô ấy chen chúc qua căn phòng đông đúc, tránh giao tiếp bằng mắt với bất kỳ ai.

  • The butcher expertly minced the meat for the stir fry.

    Người bán thịt khéo léo băm nhỏ thịt để xào.

  • The actress minced her way across the stage, embodying the character's delicate nature.

    Nữ diễn viên di chuyển nhẹ nhàng trên sân khấu, thể hiện bản chất mỏng manh của nhân vật.

  • The children minced around the room, trying not to make too much noise.

    Những đứa trẻ đi lại quanh phòng, cố gắng không gây ra quá nhiều tiếng động.

to walk with quick short steps, in a way that is not natural

đi bộ với những bước ngắn nhanh chóng, một cách không tự nhiên

Example:
  • He minced over to serve us.

    Anh ấy băm nhỏ để phục vụ chúng tôi.

Related words and phrases

Idioms

not mince (your) words
to say something in a direct way even though it might offend other people
  • They were severely criticized by the chairman, who was not a man to mince his words.
  • He doesn't mince his words when he talks about his ex-boss.