Culture words

miso

A traditional Japanese paste made from fermented soybeans, salt, and often a grain like…

adobo

A popular Filipino dish consisting of meat, seafood, or vegetables marinated and simmered…

imitator

A person or thing that copies the style, behavior, or format of another, typically a…

sutra

A canonical scripture or collection of aphorisms in Buddhism, often recited by monks as…

astringency

A sharp, harsh, or bitter taste quality that causes a puckering or drying sensation in…

kinpira

A traditional Japanese method of cooking where vegetables, such as lotus root or carrots,…

keffiyeh

A traditional Arab headdress consisting of a square scarf, typically folded into a…

sinigang

A traditional Filipino soup or stew characterized by its distinctively savory and sour…

kakanin

A general term for traditional Filipino snacks and desserts made primarily from glutinous…

konbu

A type of edible kelp (seaweed) used as a fundamental ingredient in Japanese cooking to…

debutante

A young woman making her formal entrance into high society, typically during a ceremonial…

calypsonian

A musician or performer who specializes in composing and singing calypso, a genre of…

majorette

A female member of a marching group who performs routines involving baton twirling and…

canon

The established body of literature, films, or art that is traditionally accepted as the…

preservationist

A professional dedicated to the long-term maintenance, protection, and restoration of…

celluloid

A term referring to the material traditionally used to manufacture photographic and…

shtick

A distinctive, repeated, or theatrical mannerism, routine, or persona adopted by a…

archivist

A professional responsible for the preservation, maintenance, and cataloging of…

ingenue

A young, innocent, or inexperienced performer who quickly rises to prominence, often…

pizzazz

An attractive combination of vitality, glamour, and striking personal flair that captures…

cinephile

A person who is highly passionate about cinema and deeply interested in films as an art…

brainiac

A highly intelligent or academically gifted person, often used to describe someone who…

soulslike

A video game genre characterized by high difficulty, challenging boss encounters, and…

pho

A traditional Vietnamese soup consisting of a savory, aromatic broth served with rice…

ube

A vibrant purple yam native to Southeast Asia, commonly used in desserts for its sweet,…

pandan

A tropical plant with fragrant, blade-like leaves used extensively in Southeast Asian…

praline

A popular New Orleans confection made by boiling sugar, cream, butter, and pecans until…

gastronomy

The study or art of food, cooking, and the cultural practices surrounding culinary…

compas

A popular style of Haitian dance music characterized by a steady, rhythmic beat and the…

troubadour

A style of Haitian folk music characterized by small acoustic ensembles that often…

cinematheque

A film archive or specialized theater dedicated to the preservation, study, and screening…

milieu

The social, cultural, or professional environment in which a person lives or works, or in…

piazza

An open public square or marketplace in an Italian town, or a gathering space designed to…

aperitivo

An Italian pre-dinner ritual involving a light alcoholic drink accompanied by small…

bender

A period of prolonged and excessive indulgence in alcohol or revelry.