Meat Meaning
Meat Definition & Usage
The flesh of animals, typically eaten as food, including beef, pork, lamb, poultry, and fish.
Examples
- "I prefer to eat lean meat like chicken or turkey over red meats."
- "Vegetarians choose not to eat meat for ethical or health reasons."
- "The steak was cooked perfectly, tender and juicy with just the right amount of seasoning."
- "She made a stew with beef and vegetables for dinner."
- "Meat consumption is a significant part of many cultural cuisines around the world."
The most important, substantial, or central part of something, often used figuratively to describe the core or the heart of an issue.
Examples
- "The meat of the argument lies in the question of ethics."
- "The meat of the book comes after the first few chapters, when the main conflict begins."
- "We’ve covered the surface details, but let’s get to the meat of the presentation."
- "This report provides the meat of the situation, focusing on the financial implications."
- "The meat of the proposal is its long-term sustainability."
Cultural Context
In many cultures, meat has historically been a primary source of protein and an integral part of traditional cuisines. However, over the past few decades, vegetarianism, veganism, and ethical concerns about meat production have led to increased awareness and consumption of plant-based alternatives.
The Butcher’s Dilemma
Story
The Butcher’s Dilemma
In the heart of a small village, there was a butcher named George who had inherited his family’s shop. The walls of his store were lined with rich cuts of beef, tender chicken breasts, and perfectly marbled steaks. His customers came from all corners of the village, eagerly purchasing meat for their family meals. But George wasn’t just selling meat—he was selling tradition, and for him, it was personal. One morning, a young woman named Ellie entered the shop, holding a list. She had recently adopted a vegetarian diet and was looking for a way to balance her meals while supporting local businesses. George noticed the list and raised an eyebrow. ‘Looking for something different today?’ he asked. ‘I’m still getting used to this,’ Ellie admitted. ‘But I thought I’d give the plant-based options a try. The meat of the matter is, I need protein, and I’m not sure how to find alternatives that taste as good as the real thing.’ George smiled knowingly. ‘You’re trying to get to the meat of it, huh? Well, while I don’t have any plant-based stuff on offer, I can give you some pointers for your protein needs. A lot of people are switching, and I respect that, but they also have to consider the full meal—not just the substitute.’ As Ellie looked over the variety of cuts in the display, she pondered the idea of traditional meat versus modern plant-based diets. George, though rooted in the old ways, saw an opportunity for change. He decided to start offering a few plant-based alternatives, knowing that the meat of the village’s culture was evolving. A few weeks later, a new sign hung proudly outside his butcher’s shop, reading ‘Fresh Plant-Based Options Available!’ It was his way of meeting the needs of an ever-changing world, while keeping the spirit of the shop alive. The village continued to grow, and as George served up both meat and alternative options, he realized that the heart of the butcher’s trade wasn’t just the cuts of meat—it was understanding his customers’ needs and providing them with what they wanted. After all, the meat of any business is truly about adapting to what the people want.
