croquette de crabe
The English phrase "crab cake" is translated into French as croquette de crabe.
Because this is a specific American culinary item, the term is often used in a descriptive sense rather than as a standard French dish.
Meaning: type of fishcake popular in the United States (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase croquette de crabe is composed of croquette (croquette/cake) and de crabe (of crab).
Which one should you use?
The plural form is croquettes de crabe. Another informal option for 'crab cake' is boulette de crabe.
Did you know?
- While croquette sounds French, the word crabe was heavily influenced by Old Norse and Middle Dutch via Norman dialects.
- While 'crab cake' is a common American term, a French person might find the term croquette de crabe sounds more like a snack than a main course.
- If you use the term boulette de crabe, you are literally calling it a 'crab ball'.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais une croquette de crabe, s'il vous plaît.I would like a crab cake, please.
- Il se marie parfaitement avec la croquette de crabe.It pairs perfectly with the crab cake.
- Cette croquette de crabe est délicieuse.This crab cake is delicious.
- Est-ce qu'il y a une croquette de crabe dans le menu ?Is there a crab cake on the menu?
Example conversation
Emma and Nathan are at a seafood restaurant.
- EmmaQu'est-ce que tu vas commander, Nathan ?What are you going to order, Nathan?
- NathanJe vais prendre une croquette de crabe.I'm going to have a crab cake.
- EmmaC'est une bonne idée, moi je prends du saumon.That's a good idea, I'm having salmon.
- NathanOn va se régaler !We are going to enjoy this!
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries crabe, croquette, de, CC BY-SA 4.0.
