mandoline

Definition

A razor-sharp slicing tool that creates uniformly thin cuts with terrifying efficiency, equally famous for perfect potato chips and emergency room visits. The kitchen equipment that demands both respect and a cut-resistant glove.

Example Usage

Use the mandoline to slice the fennel paper-thin for the salad, and for God's sake, use the guard.

Origin

Named for its resemblance to the musical instrument, likely from French culinary equipment evolution

Fun Fact

Professional chefs joke that you're not a real cook until you've lost part of a fingertip to a mandoline—though modern safety equipment has made this hazing ritual less common.

Source: Professional kitchen equipment terminology

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See “mandoline” in Corporate Speak, Gen-Z Slang, Pirate Speak, and more.

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