caoutchouteux
/ka.ut.ʃu.tø/masculine, plural, singular
The English word "chewy" is translated into French as caoutchouteux.
The term describes something having a pliable or springy texture when chewed. In a culinary context, it often carries a negative connotation, implying that food is overcooked or has an unpleasant, rubbery texture.
Meaning: having a pliable or springy texture when chewed (adj)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular and masculine plural forms are both caoutchouteux. The feminine singular form is caoutchouteuse, and the feminine plural form is caoutchouteuses.
How do you pronounce it?
/ka.ut.ʃu.tø/ (4 syllables)
Did you know?
- The adjective caoutchouteux is derived from the word caoutchouc, which refers to natural rubber. This connection highlights the idea that the food feels more like an industrial material than something edible.
- In high-end French gastronomy, describing a dish as caoutchouteux is considered one of the harshest critiques a food critic can give.
- In French, if a steak is 'chewy', calling it caoutchouteux suggests it has the literal physical properties of an eraser.
Examples in context
- Ce bonbon est caoutchouteuxThis candy is chewy/rubbery
Example conversation
Léa and Hugo are tasting a new dessert in a cafe.
- LéaTu aimes la texture de ce gâteau, Hugo ?Do you like the texture of this cake, Hugo?
- HugoNon, je trouve qu'il est un peu caoutchouteux.No, I find it a bit chewy.
- LéaC'est vrai, il manque de légèreté.It's true, it lacks lightness.
- HugoOn devrait commander autre chose.We should order something else.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “chewy” translations and entries caoutchouteux, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries caoutchouteux, CC BY-SA 4.0.
