Bushra Griffith
The capitalization of cheese names has been a topic of debate, with varying opinions on whether to capitalize the names of cheeses such as Cheddar and Monterey Jack. Some argue that Cheddar should be capitalized due to its association with the place in England that produces this cheese. On the other hand, Monterey Jack is often capitalized as it is named after Monterey County and its inventor, David Jacks. However, with time, genericization occurs, and the capitalization of food names may change, such as with Swiss cheese or Swiss Cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Whether to capitalize 'Cheddar' in 'Cheddar Jack' cheese | Some sources suggest that Cheddar should be capitalized because it is a place in England that makes the cheese. However, others note that it has become genericized and is not always capitalized. |
| Whether to capitalize 'Jack' in 'Cheddar Jack' cheese | 'Jack' is derived from the name of the cheese's inventor, David Jacks, and is therefore capitalized. |
| Whether to capitalize 'Monterey' in 'Monterey Jack' cheese | 'Monterey' refers to Monterey County, California, where the cheese originated, and is thus capitalized. |
| Whether to capitalize 'Pepper' in 'Pepper Jack' cheese | Although 'pepper' is not a proper noun, it is sometimes capitalized by association with 'Jack' and for parallel consistency. |
| General guidelines for capitalizing food names | Proper names are generally capitalized, but generic terms are not. There is a lack of uniformity in the capitalization of food names, and different style guides offer conflicting advice. |
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What You'll Learn
- Cheddar is a place name, so Cheddar cheese should be capitalized
- Monterey Jack is a proper noun, so it should be capitalized
- Capitalization of food names is inconsistent, e.g. Swiss cheese vs. swiss cheese
- Generic names for cheese are not capitalized, e.g. American cheese, swiss cheese
- Brand names are capitalized, e.g. Kleenex, but generic names are not, e.g. champagne
Cheddar is a place name, so Cheddar cheese should be capitalized
The capitalisation of food names, especially cheese, is a complex issue. Some argue that proper names should always be capitalised, while others point out that generic terms for cheese (and other foods) are not capitalised unless the name is a proper name by itself, in a headline, or trademark.
Cheddar is a place name in England, and the cheese is named after this place. Therefore, Cheddar cheese should be capitalised, just as one would capitalise "Kentucky bourbon". However, some argue that it has ceased to be conventional to capitalise "Cheddar" because it has become a generic term for a type of cheese rather than a specific product from the place of origin.
The genericisation of brand names is a common occurrence, and it can be challenging to determine when to capitalise these terms. For example, Hoover is a brand name that has become a generic term for vacuum cleaners, and it is not always capitalised. Similarly, "Cheddar" may have become a generic term for a type of cheese rather than a specific product from Cheddar, England.
However, it is essential to note that there is a lack of uniformity in the capitalisation of cheese names. Some people may capitalise "Cheddar" to emphasise the connection to the place of origin, while others may not capitalise it due to its generic nature. Ultimately, the capitalisation of "Cheddar cheese" may depend on the context, the writer's preference, and the style guide being used.
In summary, while there are valid arguments for both capitalising and not capitalising "Cheddar cheese", the weight of evidence suggests that capitalisation is appropriate. Cheddar is a place name, and capitalising the term helps to distinguish the specific product from the generic term. However, it is essential to recognise that usage may vary, and consistency in capitalisation is essential for maintaining a professional appearance.
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Monterey Jack is a proper noun, so it should be capitalized
The capitalisation of cheese names is a complex issue, with many factors to consider. In the case of "Monterey Jack", it is clear that this is a proper noun and should, therefore, be capitalised.
Firstly, it is important to note that "Monterey Jack" is a specific type of cheese with a unique origin and history. It was created in the 18th century by Franciscan friars in Monterey, California, and later sold commercially by California businessman David Jacks, after whom the cheese was named. Thus, both "Monterey" and "Jack" are proper nouns and should be capitalised. This is consistent with the general rule that proper names are capitalised, as seen in other cheese names like "Gorgonzola", "Cheddar", "Cheshire", and "Roquefort".
Some may argue that the capitalisation of "Monterey Jack" is not necessary, as it has become a generic term for this type of cheese. However, this argument holds less weight when considering that the cheese still retains its specific geographical and personal associations. Additionally, while it is true that generic terms for cheese are often not capitalised, this typically applies to more general descriptions like "cream cheese" or "blue cheese", rather than specific cheese varieties.
It is worth noting that there is some inconsistency in the capitalisation of cheese names, even among experts. For example, while most writers capitalise "Camembert", the use of "Cheddar" varies depending on its usage as a noun or adjective. In the case of "Monterey Jack", however, the weight of evidence suggests that capitalisation is appropriate.
In conclusion, "Monterey Jack" is a proper noun referring to a specific type of cheese with a unique origin and name. Therefore, it should be capitalised to reflect its proper noun status and distinguish it from more generic terms for cheese. This capitalisation also pays respect to the cheese's historical and geographical significance, honouring both its place of origin and its namesake, David Jacks.
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Capitalization of food names is inconsistent, e.g. Swiss cheese vs. swiss cheese
The capitalization of food names is indeed a tricky area, with inconsistencies and varying conventions. The general rule is to capitalize proper nouns in food names, such as Swiss cheese, Russian dressing, or Belgian waffles. However, there are exceptions and nuances to this rule, as seen in the examples of Swiss cheese vs. swiss cheese, or Cheddar Jack cheese vs. cheddar Jack cheese.
Let's start with Swiss cheese. The style guides of publications like the New York Times and the Chicago Manual of Style recommend lowercasing proper names when used in a "nonliteral" or generic sense. So, while "Swiss cheese" may be capitalized to specifically refer to cheese from Switzerland, lowercasing it as "swiss cheese" indicates a style of cheese that resembles Swiss Emmentaler without necessarily being from Switzerland. This distinction is important to avoid confusion and ensure clarity for readers.
Now, moving on to Cheddar Jack cheese. The capitalization of this cheese combination can vary depending on context and style preferences. Some sources suggest capitalizing both words since Cheddar" refers to a place in England, and "Jack" is named after its inventor, David Jacks. Capitalizing both words can also be done for aesthetic reasons, as some people believe it looks more formal. However, other sources suggest that only proper nouns should be capitalized, which would result in "Cheddar jack cheese." This inconsistency in capitalization illustrates the challenges of standardized food naming conventions.
The inconsistencies in capitalization can be attributed to several factors. One is the process of genericization, where brand names or proper nouns become assimilated into common language and are no longer capitalized, such as "hoover" for any vacuum cleaner brand. Additionally, different style guides and publications may have their own conventions, contributing to the variation in capitalization across different sources.
To further complicate matters, the capitalization of food names can vary depending on the context, such as whether it appears on a restaurant menu or in a magazine article. On a restaurant menu, it is common to follow the restaurateur's preference or capitalize for aesthetic reasons. In a magazine or newspaper article, adhering to a specific style guide, like the Associated Press Stylebook, might be more important to ensure consistency throughout the publication.
In conclusion, the capitalization of food names, as exemplified by Swiss cheese and Cheddar Jack cheese, is inconsistent due to a combination of factors, including etymology, genericization, varying style guides, and publication-specific conventions. Ultimately, the choice of capitalization can depend on the context, intended audience, and the need to distinguish between specific foods or generic terms.
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Generic names for cheese are not capitalized, e.g. American cheese, swiss cheese
The capitalization of cheese names depends on various factors, including the cheese's origin, whether it is a proper noun, and the style guide being followed. While there is no consistent usage, some general patterns can be observed.
Generic names for cheese are not capitalized, for example, "American cheese" and "swiss cheese." This is because they are used to describe a type of cheese that may or may not originate from a specific place. For instance, "Swiss cheese" does not necessarily come from Switzerland but refers to any cheese that resembles Swiss emmentaler. Similarly, descriptions of the cheese's texture or appearance rather than specific varieties, like "cream cheese" or "blue cheese", are not capitalized.
On the other hand, proper names for cheese are typically capitalized. For instance, "Gorgonzola," "Cheddar," "Cheshire," "Wensleydale," "Gouda," and "Roquefort" are all capitalized because they are named after specific places. However, there are exceptions to this rule, as some cheeses named after places do not always follow consistent capitalization, such as "Monterey Jack."
The name "Monterey Jack" combines a place name, "Monterey," and a person's name, "Jack," referring to California land speculator and businessman David Jacks, who sold the cheese commercially. While some sources suggest capitalizing both words as proper nouns, others argue that only the first word, "Monterey," should be capitalized, treating "Jack" as a generic term or adjective. This inconsistency may arise from the fact that the cheese has become so commonplace that its name has undergone "genericization," similar to how trademarked names like "Hoover" and "Kleenex" are often written in lowercase when referring to any product in that category, regardless of the brand.
Additionally, when a cheese name is used as an adjective, it is generally not capitalized. For example, one might use "cheddar cheese" or "strong cheddar" on a menu, but if "cheddar" is used as a noun on its own, it is often capitalized. This inconsistency in capitalization practices can be observed in various style guides, which may prioritize different aspects of the cheese's etymology or regional variations in usage. Ultimately, the capitalization of cheese names can be complex, and there may not always be a clear-cut rule for every case.
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Brand names are capitalized, e.g. Kleenex, but generic names are not, e.g. champagne
When it comes to the capitalization of cheese names, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, brand names are typically capitalized, just like any other brand, such as Kleenex. However, when it comes to generic cheese names, the capitalization rules can vary.
For example, let's consider the case of "Cheddar" in "Cheddar Jack cheese". Cheddar is a place in England that is known for its cheese production, so one might argue that "Cheddar" should be capitalized as it is a proper noun. However, some sources suggest that it has become genericized over time, and it is now more common to see it written in lowercase, especially when it is used as an adjective modifying the word "cheese". So, while "Cheddar cheese" might be capitalized, "cheddar jack cheese" often is not.
On the other hand, some cheeses do maintain their capitalization even in generic usage. For instance, "Monterey Jack cheese" is often capitalized because both Monterey and Jack are proper nouns. "Monterey" refers to Monterey County, California, where the cheese originated, and "Jack" was the name of its inventor, David Jacks. Thus, it is similar to capitalizing a brand name.
Additionally, some cheeses are always capitalized due to their proper noun status. For example, Gorgonzola is a place name and is therefore capitalized. However, it's worth noting that there is a lack of uniformity in this regard, and different style guides may offer varying recommendations.
In summary, while brand names are consistently capitalized, the capitalization of generic cheese names can be more flexible and may depend on factors such as etymology, common usage, and the style guide being followed.
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Frequently asked questions
Both are acceptable. "Cheddar" is a place in England that makes cheese, so it can be considered a proper noun and therefore capitalized. However, some sources suggest that it is not conventional to capitalize it anymore, especially when it is used as an adjective before the word "cheese".
"Monterey" is a proper noun referring to Monterey County, California, where the cheese originated. "Jack" is also a proper noun as it was named after its inventor, David Jacks. Therefore, both words are capitalized.
While "pepper" is not a proper noun, it is often capitalized by association with "Jack" and for parallel consistency, especially in a menu setting.
