Butcher
/ˈbʊtʃər/
Definitions
2 meaningsA person who cuts up and sells meat.
/ˈbʊtʃər/
A person who slaughters animals for meat.
The local butcher was known for his high-quality cuts of beef.
💡 Simply: Someone who works with meat.
More Examples
I went to the butcher to buy some sausages.
How It's Used
"The butcher expertly trimmed the fat from the steak."
To ruin or spoil something, especially through clumsy or unskilled handling.
/ˈbʊtʃər/
To cut up meat roughly or carelessly.
He butchered the song, singing it completely out of tune.
💡 Simply: To ruin or mess something up.
More Examples
The journalist butchered the facts in his report.
How It's Used
"He butchered the chicken, making it hard to cook properly."
"They butchered the play in their adaptation."
From Old French *bochier, from bouc 'goat'. Originally referring to one who slaughters goats, the meaning broadened to include the slaughter of other animals and the selling of meat.
In the past, the word more strictly referred to someone who slaughters goats; its meaning broadened over time.
Memory tip
Think of 'butch' (strong) and 'her' (she); a strong woman who cuts meat.
Word Origin
"One who slaughters goats"