macaroni

UK: ˌmækəˈrəʊni | US: ˌmækəˈroʊni

Definition

  1. n. 1. A type of pasta in the form of narrow tubes.

  2. n. 2. (Historical, 18th-century Britain) A fashionable man who affected foreign tastes and styles.

Structure
macaron <Italian maccherone, from Greek makaria (barley broth)>i <plural suffix in Italian>
Etymology

The word "macaroni" traces back to Italian "maccheroni," derived from Greek "makaria" (a barley-based dish). It entered English in the 16th century as a term for tubular pasta. The 18th-century slang meaning arose when young British men who adopted Continental European fashions were mockingly compared to exotic pasta. The Italian plural suffix "-i" reflects its foreign origin.

Examples

  1. She cooked macaroni with cheese for dinner.

  2. In Georgian England, a "macaroni" wore extravagant wigs and tight clothing.

  3. The child refused to eat anything but macaroni.

  4. The word "macaroni" appears in the lyrics of "Yankee Doodle."

  5. Authentic Italian macaroni is made from durum wheat.