The Alluring Scent Of Mouth-Watering Aromas: Unlocking Their Meaning

Something that is mouth-watering is usually something that is very appealing to the senses, particularly taste, smell, and sight. The phrase mouth-watering aroma is often used to describe a smell that is so delicious, it makes you want to eat. This could be the smell of freshly baked bread, a home-cooked meal, or a tray of cream cakes.

Aroma, taste and appearance

The phrase "mouth-watering" is used to describe something that is very pleasing to the senses, particularly taste, smell, and sight. It is often used to describe food that looks, smells, or tastes delicious and appealing, stimulating one's appetite.

Aroma

The aroma of a mouth-watering dish is tantalizing and fragrant. It can be described as a mouth-watering aroma when it is heavy and thick, like the scent of freshly baked bread or a delicious meal being prepared in the kitchen. The aroma of cooked meats and cheeses from a delicatessen or the fragrance of whiskies at a bar can also be mouth-watering. These aromas arouse one's appetite and make one want to take a bite or a sip.

Taste

The taste of a mouth-watering dish is exceptionally pleasing and delicious. It can be savory or sweet, but it always leaves you wanting more. A perfect example is a dessert that combines the right amount of sweetness, texture, and flavor, like a cream cake or a fruit-based treat. The taste of a mouth-watering dish lingers on the palate, leaving a lasting impression.

Appearance

The appearance of a mouth-watering dish is visually appealing and enticing. It often involves eye-catching colors, textures, and presentations that make the food look irresistible. For instance, an artfully decorated cake with mouth-watering cream or a perfectly plated meal with a balance of colors and garnishes. The visual appeal of a mouth-watering dish makes one eager to indulge even before taking the first bite.

Appetite stimulation

The phrase "mouth-watering" is used to describe something that is very appetising or appealing, particularly in terms of its appearance, aroma or description. It is often used to describe food that looks or smells delicious, stimulating the appetite and making people want to eat.

For example, walking into a bakery and inhaling the mouth-watering aroma of freshly baked bread, or seeing a beautifully presented, mouth-watering dessert—these sensory experiences can quite literally make your mouth water. The phrase is also used more generally to describe something that is very appealing or desirable, such as the prospect of a holiday where you can "completely relax and forget your responsibilities".

The phrase "mouth-watering" is all about tantalising the senses, especially taste and smell, to create a strong desire or craving. It can be applied to any situation where the senses are stimulated in a positive way, whether that's through food, art, nature, or any other sensory experience.

In terms of its origin, the phrase "mouth-watering" was first recorded between 1815 and 1825, and has been used ever since to describe a wide range of delicious and desirable things, from food to art to jewellery. So, the next time you come across something that looks or smells irresistible, you can say it's truly mouth-watering!

Synonyms: savoury, appealing, tantalising

Something that is mouth-watering has a very appealing appearance or aroma. The phrase is often used to describe food that looks or smells delicious and tempting. For example, a mouth-watering aroma could be the smell of freshly baked bread or a tantalising, savoury fragrance emanating from a kitchen.

The synonyms 'savoury', 'appealing', and 'tantalising' all relate to the idea of something being mouth-watering. Something savoury is pleasing to the sense of taste, and is often used to describe food that is appetising and tasty. Appealing, meanwhile, describes something that is attractive or interesting. This could be in terms of physical beauty, or it could be something that arouses enthusiasm or excitement. Finally, tantalising refers to something that provokes or holds interest, often by offering something desirable but keeping it just out of reach.

All three of these words capture the enticing, tempting nature of something that is mouth-watering. They suggest that the object in question is desirable and appealing, whether that is in terms of taste, smell, or appearance. These synonyms convey the idea that something mouth-watering is not just pleasing to the senses, but also has the power to intrigue and captivate.

In the context of a mouth-watering aroma, these synonyms emphasise the attractive and tempting nature of the scent. A savoury aroma, for instance, suggests a smell that is appetising and enticing, while an appealing aroma captures the intriguing and interesting nature of the scent. Describing an aroma as tantalising, meanwhile, conveys a sense of desire and anticipation, as if the smell is offering a glimpse of something desirable but not yet within reach.

Examples: cakes, pastries, barbecue

The phrase "mouth-watering aroma" is used to describe something that is extremely appetizing or delicious, evoking a strong sensory response. Here are some examples related to cakes, pastries, and barbecue:

Cakes

The baker created a mouth-watering chocolate cake, with a velvety smooth texture that left customers craving more. The mouth-watering aroma of the freshly baked cake filled the bakery, tempting passersby to come inside and indulge in a slice.

Pastries

The pastry chef prepared a mouth-watering selection of pastries, including flaky croissants, fruit-filled tarts, and delicate éclairs. The aroma of the freshly baked pastries was irresistible, with the buttery, sweet scent wafting out onto the street and drawing in hungry customers.

Barbecue

The mouth-watering aroma of the barbecue filled the neighborhood, enticing people to come and enjoy the delicious grilled treats. The chef expertly cooked mouth-watering barbecue ribs, slathered in a tangy sauce, and slow-cooked pulled pork that melted in your mouth.

The phrase "mouth-watering aroma" is often used to enhance the appeal of food items, creating a vivid and engaging description that makes people want to indulge in the delicious treats being offered.

Origin: first recorded use in the 19th century

The phrase "mouth-watering" has been used to describe something delicious or tasty since the late 18th century. The first recorded use of the phrase was in the late 18th or early 19th century, between 1815 and 1825, to describe people whose mouths were salivating at the thought of food. The earliest known usage of the phrase to describe appetising food itself dates back to 1847 in the US fine arts journal The Southern Literary Messenger. The phrase was used to describe "British oysters and Falernian wine" in a way that was "unctious and mouth-watering".

The phrase "mouth-watering" is typically used to describe food that is very appetising in appearance, aroma, or description. It implies that the food is so delicious or appealing that it causes a physical reaction of increased salivation, or "watering of the mouth". This phrase is often used in menus, food advertising, and restaurant reviews to emphasise the tastiness and desirability of the dishes.

Aromas that might be described as mouth-watering include the scent of freshly baked bread, a savoury stew simmering on the stove, or the sweet fragrance of baking pumpkin spice desserts. The phrase "mouth-watering" can also be used more generally to describe something very pleasing or appealing, such as a collaboration between artists or a description of a beautiful person.

The phrase "mouth-watering" has become a common expression in the English language to describe delicious food and continues to be widely used in various contexts, from literature and journalism to casual conversation. The phrase's origin in the 19th century reflects the evolution of culinary appreciation and the importance of sensory experiences in enjoying food.

Frequently asked questions