hush puppy
Definition
- Noun:
- A small, round, deep-fried ball or fritter made from a seasoned cornmeal batter: A "hush puppy" is a savory food item, typically associated with Southern U.S. cuisine. It is made from a batter of cornmeal, flour, eggs, milk or buttermilk, and seasonings like onions, which is then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The fish fry isn't complete without a side of hush puppies.
- She ordered fried catfish with coleslaw and hush puppies.
- The secret to a good hush puppy is using finely chopped onion in the batter.
Advanced Usage
- "Hush puppy" as a cultural reference: The term is strongly tied to the culinary traditions of the Southern United States and is often served at casual, family-style restaurants, barbecues, and seafood establishments in that region.
- The restaurant's menu featured classic Southern dishes like gumbo and hush puppies.
Variants and Related Words
- Hushpuppy: An alternative, often single-word spelling.
- The recipe for hushpuppies has been in my family for generations.
Synonyms
- Corn fritter: A similar fried food made from a cornmeal batter, though the shape and specific recipe may vary.
- Cornbread ball: A descriptive synonym highlighting the main ingredient and shape.
Related Phrases
- "Hush puppy mix": A pre-made, dry commercial mixture to which liquid ingredients are added to make the batter.
- For a quick side, she used a box of hush puppy mix.
Word Origin and Notes
- Etymology: The name's origin is folkloric. One common story suggests they were thrown to barking dogs with the command "Hush, puppy!" to quiet them. Another theory links the name to hunters or fishermen frying cornmeal batter to quiet their dogs. The term has been in use since at least the early 20th century.
- Note: While "hush puppy" is the standard term, it is almost exclusively used in its plural form, "hush puppies," when referring to the food item as served.
Noun
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deep-fried cornbread ball (southern)
