Restaurant Lingo: 10 Most Commonly Used Terms

‍In this article: A guide to the 10 most commonly used restaurant terms and phrases, otherwise known as 'lingo.'

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Introduction to restaurant lingo

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Restaurants are bustling hubs of activity where chefs, bartenders, hosts and servers work in unison to deliver exquisite culinary experiences to their guests. 

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Amidst the clatter of plates and the sizzle of pans, there exists a language all its own – restaurant lingo. 

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Like any industry-specific jargon, it can be confusing to those who don’t get it, but serves as a vital means of communication in the fast-paced world of hospitality.

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In this blog post, we go on a journey to decode the top ten most commonly used lingo of the restaurant industry, hopefully helping you master the colorful phrases and expressions that permeate kitchen culture!

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Top 10 Terms

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1. Behind: One of the most ubiquitous terms in any restaurant kitchen, "behind" serves as a warning to alert colleagues of your presence when navigating tight spaces. It’s a simple word that prevents collisions and keeps the flow of the kitchen running smoothly.

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2. 86’d: Originating from the restaurant industry, "86" means to remove an item from the menu or to indicate that a particular dish is no longer available. Its precise origins are unclear, but it’s believed to have originated in the Prohibition era, referring to the 86-proof whiskey. 

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3. In the Weeds: When a server or a chef finds themselves overwhelmed with orders, they are said to be "in the weeds." It’s a metaphorical representation of being lost in a dense, overgrown area and aptly describes the feeling of being swamped with tasks in a busy restaurant environment.

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4. On the Fly: This term is used when a dish needs to be prepared urgently and immediately, often to accommodate a customer's specific request. It requires quick thinking and adaptability from the kitchen staff to deliver quality food under pressure.

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5. VIP: In the restaurant world, VIP doesn’t just stand for "Very Important Person" – it also refers to "Very Important Plate." This designation is reserved for orders from distinguished guests or high-paying customers, signaling to the kitchen staff that extra care and attention should be given to the preparation of these dishes.

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6. Fire: When a chef calls out "fire" in the kitchen, they’re not indicating a hazard but rather instructing the team to start cooking a particular dish. It’s a command that sets the wheels in motion, signaling the beginning of the culinary process.

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7. Mise en Place: French for "everything in its place," mise en place is a fundamental principle in professional kitchens. It refers to the practice of preparing and organizing all ingredients and equipment before starting to cook, ensuring efficiency and smooth execution during service.

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8. SOS: No, it’s not a distress signal – in restaurant lingo, SOS stands for "Sauce on the Side." It’s a request often made by diners who prefer to control the amount of sauce on their dish or have dietary restrictions that necessitate separate serving of sauces.

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9. Comp: Short for "complimentary," comp refers to providing a free item or service to a customer, usually as a gesture of goodwill to rectify a mistake or enhance their dining experience. It’s a tool used by restaurants to maintain customer satisfaction and loyalty.

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10. Bite the Bullet: This expression is used when facing a difficult situation or task head-on, often with a sense of resignation or determination. In the context of a restaurant kitchen, it might mean powering through a busy service or tackling a challenging recipe with confidence.

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Conclusion

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Restaurant lingo is more than just words – it’s a reflection of the unique culture and camaraderie that defines the culinary world. 

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From the heat of the kitchen to the elegance of the dining room, these phrases serve as a bridge between colleagues, a shorthand for communication, and a testament to the passion and dedication of those who work tirelessly to satisfy the appetites of hungry guests.

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I hope this blog can help you and your team communicate more effectively and elevate your service standards! Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get more tips and helpful content delivered directly to you.

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