Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈfrɪtər/

Definitions

• Fritter (noun): A small piece of food that has been battered or breaded and deep-fried. Often made with vegetables, fruit, or meat.
• Fritter (verb): To waste or squander something, especially time or money, often in a small, seemingly insignificant way.

Usage Examples

• "She ordered a plate of apple fritters for dessert."
• "He frittered away his weekend by watching TV all day."
• "They frittered their resources on unnecessary luxuries."

Etymology

The word "fritter" comes from the Middle English word "friture," derived from the Old French "friture" meaning "fried food," from the verb "frit," meaning "fried," which comes from Latin "frigere," meaning "to fry." The term was first used to describe small fried food items and later expanded to refer to wasting or squandering resources.

Synonyms

• Snack
• Deep-fried food
• Waste
• Squander

Antonyms

• Preserve
• Save
• Conserve

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, the pronunciation "frɪtər" is standard.
• In American English, it may be pronounced more casually as "ˈfrɪtər" with a less stressed second syllable.

Historical Usage

The word "fritter" has been used since the early 14th century to describe fried or deep-fried foods, especially small pieces of batter-fried meat or fruit. In the 16th century, the term evolved to include the concept of squandering or wasting something, most likely due to the association of small, insignificant pieces of food being wasted during preparation or consumption.

Cultural Nuances

Fritters are a popular snack in many cultures around the world, often served at street food stalls or festivals. In the United States, "apple fritters" are a common treat, especially in the fall when apples are in season. In India, "pakoras" (a type of fritter made with chickpea flour) are often served as a snack with tea, especially during the rainy season. The concept of frittering away time or money has also taken root in popular culture, symbolizing the act of wasting resources in small, seemingly inconsequential ways.

More Information

Fritters are versatile and can be made with a variety of ingredients. Commonly, they are made from fruits, vegetables, meats, or seafood that are battered and deep-fried. The history of fritters dates back to ancient cultures, where they were often prepared by frying dough or batter mixed with other ingredients. Today, fritters remain a beloved dish in many countries, with countless variations, from sweet to savory. The term "fritter" also holds a figurative meaning related to wasting time, resources, or efforts on trivial or unimportant activities, a concept that has been explored in both literature and common language.