Zakouski

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of Russian hors d'oeuvre typically served cold, consisting of various small dishes often accompanied by vodka
2. Small appetizers in Russian cuisine that can range from pickled vegetables to cured meats, commonly enjoyed during social gatherings
3. Assorted canapés or appetizers in a cultural context, often featuring diverse flavors and textures, served to accompany drinks or as part of a meal

Etymology: "Zakouski" is the plural of "zakouska," a Russian noun built from the verb "zakusit'," meaning "to take a bite after" (a drink). The root sense is therefore a bite eaten to follow a strong drink, usually vodka, rather than a dish in its own right. The plural form is the one most English speakers meet, and it names the whole spread of small dishes set out before a meal. Because the Russian word is a plural noun, English writers typically use it without adding an "s," treating "zakouski" as the collective name for the table of snacks.

Synonyms: snacks, appetizers