Ways to say it
| French | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| escargot | /ɛs.kaʁ.ɡo/ | masculine |
| escargot de Bourgogne | masculine |
The term escargot is used to describe the dish consisting of snails. When ordering, you can specify how they are prepared, such as escargots à l'ail if you want them seasoned with garlic.
What does it mean word for word?
The word escargot literally means snail.
Which one should you use?
While escargot is the general term for the dish, escargot de Bourgogne refers specifically to snails from the Burgundy region, which are the most common type used in French cuisine.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the northern regions of France, people may informally refer to snails as petits gris (little grays). Additionally, the term cargolade, which is derived from the Occitan language, is used informally in certain regions.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun escargot is masculine.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables and is pronounced /ɛs.kaʁ.ɡo/.
Did you know?
- The word escargot is a linguistic relative of the French word cagouille, which refers to a hooded cloak.
- In French culture, escargots are traditionally served in specialized dimpled plates or the snails' own shells to keep the garlic butter from spilling.
Examples in context
- Il a mangé un escargot pour l'entrée.He ate an escargot for the appetizer.
Example conversation
Emma and Gabriel are looking at a restaurant menu.
- EmmaRegarde, Gabriel, ils servent de l'escargot !Look, Gabriel, they serve snails!
- GabrielAh oui, c'est une spécialité ici.Oh yes, it is a specialty here.
- EmmaOn en commande une portion ?Shall we order a portion?
- GabrielD'accord, je veux goûter l'escargot.Okay, I want to taste the snail.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “escargot” translations and entries escargot, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Bourgogne, bourgogne, de, escargot, CC BY-SA 4.0.
