poutine
Quebec, noun
In Quebec you say poutine for the famous dish of French fries topped with cheese curds and hot gravy. The word is the same in English, but the Quebec pronunciation is different.
Quebecers order it at a restaurant, a fast food counter or a roadside cabane à patates. People often add words for variations, such as poutine italienne.
Meaning: fries with cheese curds and gravy (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
In Quebec French the t before i is pronounced like "ts", so poutine sounds close to "poo-TSEEN" and not "poo-TEEN".
When do people say it?
Several towns in Quebec claim to be the birthplace of the dish, and it dates from the 1950s.
Did you know?
- Poutine is made with fries, fresh cheese curds and brown gravy, and the curds should squeak slightly when you bite them.
Examples in context
- Je voudrais une poutine, s'il vous plaît.I would like a poutine, please.
- On mange une poutine après le match.We eat a poutine after the game.
- Cette poutine est délicieuse.This poutine is delicious.
Example conversation
Karim and a server talk at a small snack counter in Montreal.
- ServeurBonjour, qu'est-ce que je vous sers?Hello, what can I get you?
- KarimUne poutine, s'il vous plaît.A poutine, please.
- ServeurPetite ou grosse?Small or large?
