Patrick Oconnell
Feta cheese is a delicious Greek delicacy, but how should we refer to it in writing? Do you capitalize feta cheese or not? This question has sparked some interesting debates among cheese enthusiasts and grammar aficionados. Some argue that only proper nouns deserve capitalization, such as people's names, brand names, holidays, planets, and places. However, others suggest that food terms derived from proper names should be capitalized, even if the connection is no longer literal. So, what's the verdict on feta cheese?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Should "feta cheese" be capitalized? | No, "feta" should not be capitalized as it is not a proper noun, brand name, or named after a specific person or place. |
| Should "feta" be used with "cheese"? | No, as "feta" means "cheese" in Greek, using both words together is tautology. |
| Is capitalization important? | Yes, capitalization of cheese names can improve written communication and maintain consistency in writing. |
| Are there other examples of cheeses that are not capitalized? | Yes, other cheeses that are not capitalized include mozzarella, Swiss cheese, and cheddar (when used as an adjective). |
| Are there examples of cheeses that are capitalized? | Yes, examples include Parmigiano, Parmesan, Camembert, and Cheddar (when used as a noun). |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
- Feta is a Greek word meaning cheese, so it shouldn't be capitalised
- Feta is not a proper noun, so it doesn't need to be capitalised
- Feta cheese is tautology, so just say feta
- Cheddar, a place in England, is capitalised as Cheddar cheese
- Parmigiano cheese is capitalised, despite not being from a place called Parmigiano
Feta is a Greek word meaning cheese, so it shouldn't be capitalised
There is some debate about whether the word "feta" should be capitalised. Some people argue that since feta is a type of cheese, it should not be capitalised. The reasoning behind this argument is that only proper nouns should be capitalised, such as people's names, brand names, holidays, planets, and places. However, feta is not a place, and it is derived from the Greek word meaning cheese. Therefore, not only should "feta" not be capitalised, but the word "cheese" should also be omitted. Using both "feta" and "cheese" together is considered tautology, as it essentially repeats the word "cheese" twice.
Despite this, many people still choose to say "feta cheese" in their daily conversations and writing. This inconsistency in practice has led to confusion around the capitalisation of cheese names. Some cheeses, such as "Swiss cheese," are occasionally capitalised due to their association with a specific country or region, like Switzerland in this case. On the other hand, "feta" does not have a specific place of origin attached to it, which is why it is generally considered unnecessary to capitalise.
The rules for capitalising food names, especially cheeses, can be quite complex and vary across different style guides and dictionaries. For example, "Cheddar" is capitalised as it is a place in England that produces the cheese, and "Parmigiano" or "Parmesan" is capitalised even though the cheese can be made anywhere and is not limited to the region of Parma. However, "mozzarella," which is derived from an adjective and not a place or brand name, is not typically capitalised.
In conclusion, while there may be inconsistencies and varying opinions on capitalising cheese names, it is generally agreed upon that "feta" should not be capitalised. This is because it is derived from the Greek word for cheese and is not a proper noun. However, it is ultimately a stylistic choice, and as long as writers remain consistent in their capitalisation within a text, it is not something to lose sleep over!
The Aging Process of Feta Cheese
You may want to see also
Feta is not a proper noun, so it doesn't need to be capitalised
According to the rules of English grammar, only proper nouns are capitalised. Proper nouns include people's names, brand names, holidays, planets, and places. Feta is not a proper noun, and it is not a brand name or a place, so it doesn't need to be capitalised. The word is derived from the Greek word meaning 'cheese', so the correct term is actually just 'feta', without the word 'cheese' after it.
Some cheeses are named after specific places, such as Cheddar, which is a place in England that produces cheese, so it becomes 'Cheddar cheese'. Similarly, Kentucky is a place in the US that makes bourbon, so it is called 'Kentucky bourbon'. In these cases, the place name is capitalised. However, feta does not fall into this category, as it is not named after a specific person or place.
Some people may choose to capitalise 'feta' due to its association with Greece, similar to how Swiss cheese is occasionally capitalised due to its link with Switzerland. However, according to general grammar rules, 'feta' should not be capitalised, and remembering this can help maintain consistency in writing.
It is worth noting that there is some inconsistency in the capitalisation of cheese names, and different style guides may have varying preferences. Ultimately, the decision to capitalise 'feta' or not may depend on the specific context and style guide being used. However, as a general rule, 'feta' does not need to be capitalised since it is not a proper noun.
Feta Cheese: Is Pasteurization a Must?
You may want to see also
Feta cheese is tautology, so just say feta
There is some debate surrounding the correct way to write "feta cheese". While many people may be accustomed to seeing it written as "Feta Cheese", this is not technically correct. The word "feta" is derived from the Greek word for "cheese", so by adding "cheese" after it, we are essentially saying "cheese cheese", creating a tautology.
According to general grammar rules, only proper nouns should be capitalised. These include people's names, brand names, holidays, planets, and places. The word "feta" is not a proper noun; it is not a person's name, nor is it a brand name or a place. Therefore, it should not be capitalised.
Some may argue that the capitalisation of cheese names can be inconsistent. For example, Swiss cheese is occasionally capitalised due to its association with Switzerland, while "feta" is not, as it is not linked to a specific country or region. However, this inconsistency can be attributed to the different style guides used by various publishers and markets. For instance, Cheddar cheese is often capitalised because Cheddar is a place in England that produces cheese. Similarly, Parmigiano cheese is capitalised because it originates from the northern provinces of Parma, Italy, even though the cheese can now be made anywhere.
In conclusion, to avoid tautology and incorrect capitalisation, it is best to simply say "feta" when referring to the Greek cheese. This adheres to the general grammar rule that only proper nouns should be capitalised, and it also maintains consistency in writing, which is important for clear communication. While there may be variations in style guides, picking one consistent route for capitalisation can help to improve the clarity of written content, especially in culinary contexts.
Feta Cheese and Babies: Is it Safe?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheddar, a place in England, is capitalised as Cheddar cheese
The general rule is that only proper nouns should be capitalised, such as people's names, brand names, holidays, planets, and places. Feta, like cheddar and mozzarella, is not a place and does not refer to a specific person or brand name, so it does not require capitalisation.
However, when it comes to foodstuffs, especially European ones, the region of origin is often proud of its product, and this pride is reflected in the capitalisation of the product's name. For example, Parmigiano cheese is capitalised because it is from Parma, and Parmesan, which can be made anywhere, is also capitalised. Similarly, Kentucky is a place in the US that produces bourbon, so it is referred to as Kentucky bourbon.
Cheddar is a large village and civil parish in the English county of Somerset. It is situated on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills, 9 miles (14 km) north-west of Wells. Cheddar has been famous for cheese making since 1170 AD. The village of Cheddar, England, is home to the original Cheddar cheese caves and the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company. Thus, Cheddar, a place in England, is capitalised as Cheddar cheese.
It is worth noting that the capitalisation of cheese names can be inconsistent, and different style guides may have varying preferences. For example, while some writers capitalise Camembert, others do not capitalise mozzarella. Additionally, the usage of capitalisation can depend on whether the word is being used as a noun or an adjective. For instance, "Cheddar" is often capitalised when used as a noun, but not when used adjectivally to modify the word "cheese".
Combining Feta and Bleu: A Cheesy Match?
You may want to see also
Parmigiano cheese is capitalised, despite not being from a place called Parmigiano
When it comes to the capitalization of cheese names, the general rule is that only proper nouns should be capitalized. This includes people's names, brand names, holidays, planets, and places. For example, Cheddar cheese is capitalized because it originates from the place called Cheddar in England. Similarly, Parmigiano cheese is capitalized, even though it is primarily produced in Parma, as there is no region called Parmigiano.
The capitalization of Parmigiano cheese follows the same logic as other cheese names, such as Cheddar, Swiss, and Parmesan, which are capitalized because they are named after specific places. Parmigiano, or Parmigiano-Reggiano, is the signature cheese from the northern provinces of Parma and Reggio Emilia, although it can also be produced elsewhere. The name Parmigiano is derived from the region of origin, hence the capitalization.
On the other hand, feta cheese, similar to mozzarella, does not require capitalization. Feta is not a place, and the name is derived from the Greek word meaning cheese. Therefore, not only should feta not be capitalized, but the addition of the word "cheese" after "feta" is also unnecessary and considered tautology.
The inconsistency in the capitalization of cheese names can be attributed to varying practices across different print mediums, such as magazines, newspapers, blogs, and websites. Each medium may follow its own style guide and publisher or market-specific rules, which can lead to inconsistencies in capitalization, even for the same type of cheese.
It is worth noting that while Parmigiano cheese is capitalized, it is not because it originates from a place called Parmigiano. Rather, it reflects the convention of capitalizing cheese names that are derived from specific places, even if the name is slightly modified, such as in the case of Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Feta Cheese: Healthy Weight Loss Superfood?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
No, 'feta' should not be capitalized as it is not a proper noun. The word is derived from the Greek word for 'cheese', so 'feta cheese' is a tautology.
The confusion around capitalizing 'feta' likely stems from inconsistent practices. Some cheeses, like 'Swiss Cheese', are occasionally capitalized due to their association with a place, like Switzerland. However, 'feta' is not named after a specific place or brand.
No, 'feta' should not be capitalized in recipes or on menus. However, some style guides may differ, and ultimately, there is no right or wrong answer—it is a stylistic issue.
Just 'feta' is correct, as 'feta cheese' is a tautology. However, many people will still say 'feta cheese', and it is ultimately up to you.
Yes, some cheeses are named after specific places and should be capitalized. For example, Cheddar, Parmesan, and Parmigiano-Reggiano.
