Butter Meaning
Butter Definition & Usage
A dairy product made from churning cream or milk, often used as a spread or for cooking.
Examples
- "I like to spread butter on my toast every morning."
- "She added a dollop of butter to the mashed potatoes."
- "The recipe calls for two tablespoons of melted butter."
- "Can you pass me the butter for my bread?"
- "The cookies taste so much better with a little bit of butter."
To spread butter on something.
Examples
- "She buttered the bread before adding the jam."
- "He buttered the popcorn generously during the movie."
- "I need to butter the pan before I start cooking the pancakes."
- "Don't forget to butter the toast before you serve it."
- "He buttered his toast so smoothly that it looked like a work of art."
To make something more pleasant or easier to accept, often by providing excessive compliments or flattery.
Examples
- "Stop buttering him up – he knows you're just trying to get on his good side."
- "She buttered up her boss with praise before asking for a raise."
- "He always buttered her up before making a big request."
- "The politician was known for buttering up his supporters during campaigns."
- "You don't need to butter me up, just tell me what you want."
Cultural Context
Butter has been a significant part of human cuisine for thousands of years. It is made by churning cream to separate the butterfat from the buttermilk. In many cultures, butter is used in both savory and sweet dishes, such as baking, frying, or as a topping for bread. While it was traditionally made by hand, industrial production methods have become common. In some cultures, butter is also used in religious rituals.
The Buttered Bridge
Story
The Buttered Bridge
It was a chilly Saturday morning, and Emily was in her kitchen, preparing breakfast for her family. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and crispy bacon filled the air. Her daughter, Lily, sat at the kitchen table, munching on her toast. Emily, with a contented sigh, spread a generous layer of butter on her own toast before setting it on the plate. As the butter slowly melted, it reminded her of childhood mornings spent at her grandmother's house, where the butter was always freshly churned, and the bread was thick and warm. 'Can you butter my toast, Mom?' Lily asked, holding up her plate. 'Of course,' Emily replied, taking the plate and skillfully buttering it. The knife slid through the soft butter like a warm knife through cheese, leaving a perfect layer behind. 'You know, when I was your age, I used to butter my toast just like this every morning.' Lily giggled. 'Did you ever butter people up like you butter your toast?' she asked mischievously. Emily laughed. 'No, not really. But I have to admit, I did try buttering up your father when I wanted something. It didn’t always work, though.' Lily rolled her eyes. 'I don’t think buttering people up works on anyone. It’s just a way to get what you want, and it never feels genuine.' 'You’re right,' Emily said, chuckling as she handed Lily the plate of perfectly buttered toast. 'But sometimes, when you need a favor, a little bit of flattery never hurts.' As the morning continued, the family sat together at the table, eating buttered toast and laughing. Emily was grateful for these simple moments, where butter could not only enhance the flavor of her food but also bring warmth to the heart, reminding her of the bonds that held her family together.
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