souris d'agneau
The English phrase "lamb shank" is souris d'agneau in French.
This phrase refers to the lower part of a lamb's leg used as a cut of meat for cooking. In French culinary terminology, souris (mouse) refers to the shank or the lower part of the leg rather than the animal itself.
What does it mean word for word?
The term souris d'agneau literally translates to "lamb's mouse".
Did you know?
- The French word souris is a homonym with another word meaning 'smile' or 'smirk', originating from the Latin subrīsus.
- The culinary term souris is used because the shape of the cleaned shank bone and meat resembles a small rodent.
- In French, the word souris functions as a semantic trap where one word can simultaneously mean a rodent, a computer mouse, or a piece of lamb.
Examples in context
- J'ai apprécié le jarret d'agneau, c'était divin.I enjoyed the lamb shank, it was divine.
- On se régale avec un jarret d'agneau rôti.We're indulging in a roasted lamb shank.
- Le jarret d'agneau braisé est un vrai délice.The braised lamb shank is a true delight.
- souris d'agneau confiteConfit lamb shank
- Je vais préparer une souris d'agneau.I am going to prepare a lamb shank.
- La souris d'agneau est très tendre.The lamb shank is very tender.
- Il reste une souris d'agneau dans le plat.There is one lamb shank left in the dish.
Example conversation
At a French restaurant, Hugo and Chloé are looking at the menu.
- HugoEst-ce que tu veux la souris d'agneau ?Do you want the lamb shank?
- ChloéOui, elle a l'air délicieuse.Yes, it looks delicious.
- HugoD'accord, je vais la commander pour nous.Okay, I will order it for us.
- ChloéMerci, Hugo, tu es très gentil.Thank you, Hugo, you are very kind.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries souris, CC BY-SA 4.0.
