In slang terminology, a “platter” refers to a full meal or large portion of food. This slang usage emerged in the early 20th century and is still commonly used today, especially in casual conversations about food. The term platter likely derives from the visual similarity between a large dinner plate or serving platter piled high with food and the large portions referred to by the slang meaning.
Origin of the Slang Term “Platter”
The exact origins of using “platter” to refer to a large serving of food are unclear, but early documented uses suggest it arose in the 1920s or 1930s. An early example comes from a 1932 newspaper article describing a restaurant in New York: “For a dollar you get a platter of bacon and eggs that looks like a banana boat loaded with fruit.”
This suggests the term originally referred to particularly bountiful or heaping plates of food. The usage grew more common over subsequent decades, to the point where “platter” became a widely understood slang synonym for a full meal.
Popularity and Spread of the Slang Term
By the 1950s, “platter” was in widespread colloquial use as slang for an oversized meal. A 1958 issue of the trade publication American Restaurant Magazine defined “platter” as “an extra large portion of food.”
The term was especially common at diners, lunch counters, and other casual eateries that emphasized large portions. Advertisements would tout signature “platters” on their menus, referring to dishes like a breakfast platter or seafood platter.
Over time, the slang usage spread beyond just restaurants to general discussions about food portions. People would refer to having a “platter” of pasta for dinner, or a “platter” of cookies for dessert. This remains the most common application of the term today.
Usage in Modern Slang and Culture
While originating in the early 20th century, “platter” is still widely used in slang English to refer casually to a large meal or portion of food. It conjures images of bountiful plates piled high with delicious food.
Some examples of the slang term in modern contexts:
– “I’m starving, I could really go for a huge platter of nachos right now!”
– “The deluxe burger platter here is massive, I can never finish it in one sitting.”
– “We’d better get an extra platter of wings, I don’t think one will be enough to feed everyone.”
– “I was so hungry I finished off a whole platter of pasta – I ate way more than I should have!”
The term “platter” is now firmly rooted in casual slang vernacular related to oversized servings of food. Its longevity demonstrates how food-related slang can endure for generations. Next time you have a big meal, you can refer to it colloquially as a “platter” and know you’re invoking nearly a century’s worth of casual slang terminology!
Definition and Etymology
Core Definition
In slang, the term “platter” refers to a large portion or serving of food, usually enough for multiple people or servings. It implies an abundant amount of food piled onto a large plate or platter.
Etymology
The slang meaning of “platter” is derived from the literal meaning of platter as a large, flat dish used for serving food. The visual similarity between a platter dish stacked with food and the oversized portions described by the slang term gives it a clear metaphorical connotation.
Distinction from Literal Meaning
While the literal definition of a platter refers specifically to the serving dish itself, the slang meaning uses it to refer to the actual food on the platter. However, the imagery is the same – both evoke the look of plentiful portions piled high.
Usage Notes
– Usually used informally or jokingly to emphasize large quantities of food
– Can refer to a meal or single dish/food item
– Often implies an excessive amount of food, more than one person could or should eat
– Common examples: “ham platter,” “dessert platter,” “platter of fries”
Related Slang Terms
– Spread: Similar emphasis on abundant amount of food
– Feast: Lavish, extensive meal, especially for celebrations
– Smorgasbord: Wide variety of dishes, originating from Swedish cuisine
– Blowout: Excessive or indulgent meal, sometimes to the point of discomfort
Historical Origins and Evolution
Early 20th Century Origins
The slang usage of “platter” emerged in the early 20th century, rising to popularity in the 1920s and 30s. Some of the earliest examples come from U.S. newspapers and magazines describing restaurant dishes.
In this early period, a “platter” referred specifically to a plate or serving dish piled high with food – aligning with the literal meaning.
Transition to Broader Slang Term
By the 1950s, the definition had broadened, with “platter” being used as a shorthand slang term for large servings of food in general. Advertisements used it flexibly to tout dishes and combinations like “steak platter” or “seafood platter.”
The term took on a more figurative meaning beyond just heaping dishes, suggesting any oversized portion of food.
Entering Widespread Colloquial Use
In the second half of the 20th century, “platter” became firmly rooted in casual slang vocabulary related to food. It moved beyond just restaurant and diner contexts to common parlance about meal sizes.
People would use it hyperbolically to refer to any dish with a large portion, solidifying its status as a flexible slang phrase.
Prevalence in Modern Slang
Despite its long history, “platter” remains a ubiquitous slang term today. It continues to evoke a specific imagery – plates piled high with delicious food – that makes it a popular colloquial metaphor for oversized portions.
The term is now deeply ingrained in casual discussions and humor related to food and eating, especially in American English. Its longevity demonstrates the lasting power of food slang.
Usage in Conversation and Popular Culture
Informal Conversation
In casual conversations about food, “platter” is often used as playful or exaggerated shorthand to describe a dish with a very large portion:
– “I’m so hungry I could devour a whole platter of nachos right now!”
– “We got the super deluxe burger platter but couldn’t even finish half of it.”
– “I ate that entire cheese platter by myself – I’m going to regret that tomorrow!”
Restaurant Menus and Advertising
Restaurants frequently use “platter” to advertise signature dishes or meal combinations designed for multiple people to share:
– “Try our new fried chicken platter – 8 pieces of juicy fried chicken and your choice of 4 hearty sides!”
– “All entrées are served with bottomless fries. Upgrade to a fry platter for the whole table for only $3 more.”
Food Television and Media
Food TV shows and cooking channels on YouTube often describe abundant dishes as “platters” to convey their impressive size:
– “Today I’ll show you how to make a beautiful cheese and meat platter for your next party.”
– “Our two teams have to create platters for 100 people using only the mystery ingredients in the pantry.”
Comedic Exaggeration
Comedians may use “platter” humorously to exaggerate a large meal:
– “I was so hungry last night I ate an entire platter of lasagna in one sitting!”
– “When the waiter brought me my steak platter, I looked him dead in the eyes and said ‘I’m going to consume this entire thing to absorb its power.'”
Regional Differences
Prevalence in American English
The slang usage of “platter” is especially common in American English and arose in the U.S. in the early 20th century along with the diner culture that emphasized large portions.
It remains a widespread colloquial term in the U.S. for large servings of food. Americans are especially likely to “super size” a meal or dish by calling it a platter.
Less Common in British English
In Britain and other English dialects, “platter” as slang for a large meal is less ubiquitous. British English favors other food slang like “spread” or “feast.”
However, the Americanized use of “platter” has become more familiar in the U.K. through exposure to U.S. media and food culture. It may be recognized even if not as inherently common in British vernacular.
Loan Word Status in Other Languages
The specific slang meaning of “platter” is unique to English. But other languages have adopted “platter” as a loan word to describe American-style large portions.
In Spanish, for example, “platillo” can be used to imply a “platter”-sized dish inspired by U.S. cuisine. This demonstrates the reach of food slang even across languages.
Literal vs. Figurative Meaning
Literal Meaning
The literal definition of a platter is a large, flat dish or plate used for serving food. It enables multiple portions or an array of dishes to be offered together.
Figurative Slang Meaning
The slang figurative meaning refers to the actual food on the platter itself – specifically, an oversized portion of a particular dish.
Rather than just describing the plate, it implies an abundance of food.
Relationship Between Meanings
The visual of plentiful food piled high on a platter inspired the metaphorical slang meaning. While the literal platter simply refers to the dish, the slang meaning evokes the image of it overflowing with delicious food.
So the figurative meaning derives directly from the literal one, with the platter conjuring up imagery of bountiful portions.
Role of Figurative Meaning
The figurative use as slang adds an extra layer of connotation and imagery. It enables creatively exaggerated descriptions like “platter of tacos” or “dessert platter” that immediately convey the idea of large quantities and variety.
The slang meaning builds on the literal one to create colorful, food-centric vernacular.
Cultural Significance
Reflecting Cultural Values
The popularity of “platter” as slang reflects certain cultural attitudes, particularly American values of abundance, indulgence, and getting your money’s worth through large portions.
A “platter” implies not just a normal serving but an extra generous meal reflecting value, prosperity, or celebration.
Connection to Specific Food Cultures
The term has its roots in American diner culture that prized comfort food and hearty portions. It’s especially evocative of the bountiful platters at all-you-can-eat buffets and barbecue joints.
So using “platter” also nods to these cherished food traditions.
Evolution of Food Slang Over Time
The enduring appeal of “platter” as slang over multiple generations also illustrates how food-based linguistic culture evolves. Certain terms like “platter” gain widespread traction and lasting significance.
Looking at food slang can provide insight into a culture and society.
Impact and Analysis
Purpose Served by the Slang Term
“Platter” as a slang term serves several useful purposes:
– Concisely conveys the idea of a large portion of food
– Adds color and imagery versus a generic phrase like “large portion”
– Can communicate indulgence, value, celebration, or excess through a single word
– Fosters a sense of cultural identity and belonging by using in-group vocabulary
– Allows playfulness, humor, and exaggeration when talking about food
Wider Significance and Implications
Looking at the extensive use of “platter” and other food slang raises some broader questions:
– How does abundance around food reflect cultural values and priorities?
– What factors contributed to shifts in portion sizes and expectations over time?
– How do restaurants balance customer expectations with responsible serving sizes?
– Does using exaggerated terms like “platter” normalize overeating?
Analyzing simple food slang can reveal deeper insights about society.
Sample Analysis
| Phrase Containing “Platter” | Implied Meaning |
|---|---|
| “I could really go for a nacho platter right now!” | Suggests hearty appetite and desire for indulgence |
| “We got the deluxe burger platter but couldn’t even finish it” | Highlights oversized portions |
| “Cheese platter for my party” | Platter as celebration and indicator of abundant hospitality |
Conclusion
In summary, the slang use of “platter” to mean a large serving of food emerged around a century ago but remains a ubiquitous part of casual food vocabulary. It carries connotations of abundance, indulgence, and value. The term originated from literal platter dishes but evolved as a flexible metaphor for oversized portions. Understanding slang like “platter” provides insights into cultural attitudes, shifts in eating habits, and the enduring nature of food language. Next time you talk about food, consider the layers of meaning packed into a simple colloquial term like “platter.”