Comments on: Do you use the f-word?

By: Besha Rodell

Besha Rodell — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:20:09 +0000

“Eater” in French would be “mangeur”.
Gourmand seems snooty not because it is French but because it derives from the word gourmet. Gourmet has always referred to a certain kind of food, usually expensive food. I’ve got no problem with gourmet food – I love fancy food – but I just don’t think it’s a fully accurate description of my food obsession. I don’t think “gourmand” accurately describes my love for, say, sloppy joes.

By: Gabrielle

Gabrielle — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 04:12:39 +0000

Ah, but isn’t “gourmand” simply “eater” in French?

I don’t think the French language is synonymous with snooty, nor is it classist or elitist. Many French terms have made their way into our lexicon, and this only reflects a blending of American culture with others around the world. This is a good thing.

Using terms like “foodie” is indicative of the dumbing down of our culture, a phenomenon hopefully on the downswing along with the exit of the dumbest American president of all time.

By: Besha Rodell

Besha Rodell — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 21:49:32 +0000

John Kessler wrote a great column about this:
http://www.ajc.com/eveningedge/content/eveningedge/stories/2008/01/22/kessler.html

It’s true that the problem is the lack of another word that really fits the bill. I agree that gourmand is too snooty. I like the populist nature of foodie, but hate the cutesy sound of it – it makes me feel like the unwilling participant of some bad ad campaign.
I’d like to propose “eater” – it sounds like slang for some kind of sexual orientation, but I don’t mind that.

By: Nick Weston

Nick Weston — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 19:59:39 +0000

Great post! I am glad to see this debate is still going. It is obvious which side of the fence I’m on…

Food is food, enjoy it for what it is. Time, place and people are the most important factors.

By: Gabrielle

Gabrielle — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:36:00 +0000

Personally, I prefer the term “gourmand”. Foodie sounds silly and childish, and lacking in knowledge of the beauty of the word “gourmand”. I suggest you appropriate it and use it often.