Dough

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

IPA: /doʊ/ (American English), /dəʊ/ (British English)

Definitions

1. As a noun: A thick, soft mixture of flour, water, and other ingredients, typically used for baking bread, pastries, and other baked goods.
2. As a noun (informal): Money, especially in the context of wealth or income.

Usage Examples

• She kneaded the dough until it was smooth and elastic.
• They let the dough rise before baking the bread.
• He made a lot of dough in the stock market this year.
• After a long day, he was glad to come home to a warm loaf of homemade dough.

Etymology

The word "dough" comes from Old English "doh," which has its origins in Proto-Germanic "*dōk," meaning "paste" or "mixture." It is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, including Old High German "toh," meaning "dough," and Dutch "deeg."

Synonyms

• Pastry mix
• Batter
• Mixture
• Bread mixture

Antonyms

• Dry
• Flour
• Crust

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In different regions, the pronunciation of "dough" can vary. In American English, it is commonly pronounced as /doʊ/ while in British English, it is pronounced as /dəʊ/. In certain dialects or regional accents, the word might sound more like "doh" or "daw." However, the meaning remains the same across these variations.

Historical Usage

The word "dough" has been used for centuries to describe mixtures used for baking. It appears in Old English texts, dating back to the 9th century. Over time, the word has become associated with the preparation of various baked goods, from bread to pastries. In recent decades, "dough" has also been used informally to refer to money, a slang usage that has become popular in modern culture.

Cultural Nuances

Dough holds significant cultural meaning in various cuisines around the world. In Western cultures, it is commonly used to make bread, pastries, and pizza. In Indian cuisine, dough is a staple for preparing items like roti and paratha. The process of kneading dough is often seen as an act of patience and care, passed down through generations. Additionally, the slang usage of "dough" to refer to money is especially prevalent in American pop culture, often associated with success and wealth.

More Information

The process of making dough varies depending on the type of food being prepared. For bread, yeast is often added to help it rise, while for pastries, the dough may be kept cold to maintain its flakiness. Some recipes call for kneading the dough for several minutes to develop gluten, which gives the dough structure and elasticity. The quality of the dough plays a key role in the final product, with careful attention paid to ingredients, consistency, and rising time.