Agency Dictionary
sommelier
nounPronunciation: /ˌsɒm.əlˈjeɪ/
In Portuguese: sommelier
Culture & IdentityWhat does “sommelier” mean?
A trained specialist knowledgeable in wine or fine goods, often used colloquially to describe self-appointed critics who scrutinize cultural details.
Etymology
From French sommelier, originally the official in a medieval household responsible for provisions and pack animals. The word comes from Old French sommier (a beast of burden), from Medieval Latin sagmarius (a pack animal), from Greek sagma (a pack saddle). The modern wine-specialist sense developed in the restaurant trade.
Usage note
A sommelier is trained in wine selection, service, and food pairing, usually in a restaurant. The word is also used humorously for self-appointed experts in any specialty.
Synonyms
- wine steward
- wine expert
Usage examples
The tattoo sommeliers out there are always asking what it means, and believe it or not, sometimes there's no specific meaning for that particular design.
Concept
Source editions
Where this entry comes from in the Agency editorial.
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