nuke it

Definition

To reheat food in a microwave, usually said with mild shame in professional kitchens where microwaves are considered the lowest form of cooking technology. Every chef's guilty secret.

Example Usage

Just nuke that side of rice for 30 seconds—nobody will know.

Origin

Slang from nuclear references to microwave radiation, popularized in 1980s-90s

Fun Fact

High-end restaurants often hide their microwaves in back corners like shameful secrets, despite using them daily for specific tasks like melting chocolate or heating sauces.

Source: Restaurant kitchen slang

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