Charcuterie Board or simply Charcuterie?
I posed this question on a Facebook page that deals in words and usage, grammar and the evolution of the English language. It’s one of my favorite Facebook pages; although, I’m often reluctant to pose a question because some of the respondents are language snobs.
One would hope that those who follow the page would be helpful and courteous, and most are, but there’s always one negative Nellie or Neddie who feels the need to disparage others for their questions or misunderstandings.
My question today was well-received, and I had some great answers. Most said that they used the menu as their ordering cue. I’m attempting to work the term into dialogue in a book, so I didn’t have a menu on hand; although, now that I think of it I could always google a local wine bar’s menu to see how it’s listed. Duh!
One person, though, told me to always include the word “board”; otherwise, they’re likely to just put the meats and cheeses on the table or even in one’s hands. I felt certain she was joking, but then a couple of others said the same thing. Really? surely this isn’t a thing. And if it is, ewwww.
Peace, people!
Praying for Eyebrowz 
Nice!
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Thanks!
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If the word is so obtuse , why use it in the book…..the main thing is to communicate , not separate…….menu
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It’s actually a pretty common term. But it likely wouldn’t be used in my characters’ conversation—only when ordering.
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Ah the joys of literary research. Welcome to the club x
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😉 Thank goodness for the internet!
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I know. xxxx
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Insisting on board is boring
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Well, I should get on board.
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hmmmm considering dense literalism, your photograph has a metal tray, not a wooden board.
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I noticed that after I hit publish! It’s driving me crazy, but I think I’ll leave it.
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I am in favor of extending the board classification to a metal tray. More sanitary, easier to clean.
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All true, yet a board has a certain panache.
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If you use Charcuterie Board in your book, I hope your character is as befuddled by the term as you and I are. Maybe she’ll get frustrated with the whole debate and order a dang fruit, meat and cheese platter and, by the way, I’d like it on a board.
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🤣 She’s going to let her date order for her! Problem solved, right???
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Charcuterie. Board or platter is implied
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That’s what I would have thought, but I’ve been challenged on that on A Way With Words.
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To me it’s like saying ATM machine….
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In some ways! Yes! I’ve decided my protagonist is going to have beer and pretzels instead. Executive decision. 😉
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There you go
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Playing god is a rush.
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That’s why I do it so often…
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Wish I’d discovered this truth when I was younger.
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😉
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I have no opinion on using “board” or not. I will say this depiction has gone way heavy on the cheese however. I hope your literary restaurant offers less cheese, greater variety in meat and accompaniments.
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As one astute observer informed me, charcuterie indicates meat only. The cheese should be requested separately. I think it’s come to mean both in many establishments.
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You could go with the phrase “that meat and cheese platter thingy” just to be a brat! lol!
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I could!
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We call that “Bud’s favorite dinner” at our house. Bud was a good family friend who enjoyed a meal of crackers, cheese, fruit, and whatever caught his fancy. Although he passed away over ten years ago, we still think of him often and enjoy his favorite dinner whenever we aren’t quite hungry enough for a full meal, but still want something.
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That’s a sweet way to honor your friend. ❤️
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