Definition

Noun: A buffalo wing is a specific type of appetizer consisting of a chicken wing section (the drumette or flat) that is deep-fried until crisp and then coated or tossed in a spicy, vinegar-based sauce, typically made with cayenne pepper hot sauce and butter. It is traditionally served with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

Usage

The term "buffalo wing" refers specifically to the prepared food item. It is a countable noun. * The restaurant is famous for its spicy buffalo wings. * I ordered a plate of buffalo wings to share with the table. * A classic buffalo wing is not breaded before frying.

Examples

• For the big game, we made three dozen buffalo wings.
• The secret to a good buffalo wing is the balance of heat and tang in the sauce.
• These buffalo wings are so crispy and flavorful.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used attributively (like an adjective) to describe other dishes that use the signature buffalo sauce flavor, but the core item is the chicken wing itself.
  • They serve a buffalo wing pizza topped with blue cheese.
  • I tried the buffalo wing cauliflower bites, a vegetarian alternative.

Variants and Related Words

• Buffalo sauce (noun): The signature spicy, buttery sauce used to coat buffalo wings.
  • The key ingredient is the buffalo sauce.
• Chicken wing (noun): The general term for the poultry part; a buffalo wing is a prepared style of chicken wing.
  • We can make plain chicken wings or buffalo wings.

Synonyms

• Hot wings (noun): A common synonym, though "hot wings" can sometimes imply a broader range of spicy sauces, while "buffalo wings" specifically denotes the cayenne-vinegar-butter style.
• Spicy chicken wings (noun): A descriptive synonym.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To have a buffalo wing craving: To have a strong desire to eat buffalo wings.
  • I don't know why, but I have a buffalo wing craving today.
• Wing night / Buffalo wing night: A promotional event at a bar or restaurant where buffalo wings are offered at a special price.
  • Let's go to the pub for wing night.

Noun

1. crisp spicy chicken wings