Macaronis

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A plural form referring to a type of small, sweet meringue-based confection made from egg whites, sugar, and almond flour ; an outdated slang term from the 18th century denoting stylish, flamboyant men often viewed as foppish or overly fashionable ; plural of a pasta variety shaped into short, curved tubes commonly used in baked dishes and salads
2. Denotes multiple delicate French cookies made by whipping egg whites with sugar and ground almonds ; historically used to describe a group of men known for their affected and extravagant dress styles ; names a category of tubular pasta pieces frequently combined with cheese or tomato sauces in culinary dishes
3. Refers to several colorful, crisp and chewy dessert treats originating from France, made of almond flour and sugar ; an 18th-century slang identifying men who embraced exaggerated elegance and fashion ; describes an assortment of small dry pasta pieces shaped like short tubes, used in various meals including macaroni and cheese

Etymology: "Macaronis" is the plural of "macaroni," and in this sense it refers to the almond meringue cookies. Those cookies take their name from French "macaron," which English also uses. The Italian "maccaroni" has uncertain origins, possibly from Greek "makaria," meaning food made from barley, or from Latin "maccare," meaning to crush.

Synonyms: macaroni, pasta