Definition of Delicatessen
Delicatessen refers to a store offering high-quality, specialty foods like meats and cheeses. Synonyms include charcuterie, gourmet food store, epicurean store, specialty food store, farmstead market, food hall, artisanal food shop, and provisions store.
Origin and Meaning of Delicatessen
Deli is short for delicatessen, a German word borrowed from France, meaning delicacies. Originally used to refer to the food itself, it began to be used to describe the stores selling the food. In the United States, a delicatessen is often a combined grocery store and restaurant, although the term may also describe a strictly take-out or sit-down restaurant. Many delis specialize in the food of a certain region, country, or ethnicity.
Synonyms and Related Words
Delicatessen refers to a store offering high-quality, specialty foods. Synonyms are gourmet food store, farmstead market, and artisanal food shop. A visit promises a tasty experience with specialized products. Originally referring to the foods, the term expanded to the stores too. Deli derives from the French and German "delicatessen," meaning delicacies. First used for kosher butcher shops.