slaw

[ slaw ]

noun

1. coleslaw.

slaw

/ slɔː /

noun

1. short for coleslaw

Word History and Origins

Origin of slaw¹

1860–65, Americanism; < Dutch sla, short for salade salad

Word History and Origins

Origin of slaw¹

C19: from Dutch sla, short for salade salad

Example Sentences

A spicy, yellow dollop of cabbage slaw became Tennessee’s first official state food — then everyone had to learn what it was.

From New York Times

Cabbage can be thought of as a rather mundane vegetable and is generally turned into a slaw of sorts.

From Salon

The eatery boasts a Maple Smokehouse Tomahawk Pork Chop and Ham & Beans with cole slaw — verbatim from the menu.

From Washington Times

Years ago, I started adding other greens to my slaw.

From Seattle Times

Serve with rice and a crunchy slaw or make into a sandwich or wrap with shredded vegetables and a smear of mayonnaise.

From Washington Times

More About Slaw

What is slaw?

Slaw is a cold salad commonly made from sliced or chopped raw vegetables, especially cabbage or carrots, mixed with a dressing made with mayonnaise or vinegar. It often includes other seasonings and ingredients, such as onions and apples.

The word coleslaw can be used to mean the same thing (and slaw is often short for coleslaw). However, coleslaw typically refers to the kind made with cabbage, while slaw can refer to varieties made without cabbage, such as carrot slaw.

Slaw is most commonly served as a side dish, such as for barbecue, or a topping, such as for sandwiches. In the U.S., it’s associated with cookouts and picnics and known as a common side dish at some restaurants.

Example: My mom makes a tasty slaw with carrots and onions. 

Where does slaw come from?

The first records of the word slaw come from the 1860s. It comes from the Dutch sla, a contraction of salade, meaning “salad.”

Coleslaw is first recorded earlier and comes from the Dutch koolsla, in which kool means “cabbage.” The word cole ultimately comes from the Latin caulis, meaning “plant stalk” or “cabbage.” It can be used to refer to a number of plants in the genus that includes cabbage, kale, and other related vegetables. Related words include kohlrabi, a type of cabbage, and cauliflower.

Did you know … ?

What are some synonyms for slaw?

• coleslaw

What are some words that share a root or word element with slaw? 

• salad

What are some words that often get used in discussing slaw?

• side dish
• cabbage
• carrot
• mayonnaise
• vinegar
• barbecue
• cookout
• picnic
• baked beans
• hot dogs
• salad

How is slaw used in real life?

Slaw is a common side dish at cookouts and some restaurants. It comes in many variations, including those made with mayonnaise- and vinegar-based dressings. Some people love it and some people think it’s gross.

Hubby got soft shelled crabs with a side of slaw. I got rockfish with a side of charred broccolini. pic.twitter.com/GZDgu4eps5

— 🏳️‍🌈Bougier Than Thou-and vaccinated, too🏳️‍🌈 (@ScottyBurberry) May 30, 2021

Loaded pork fries topped with slaw, you asked for it..you got it pic.twitter.com/XUHINQG034

— Pa BBQ PigRig (@PaBBQ_PigRig) June 24, 2021

from scratch chicken bacon mac + apple carrot slaw pic.twitter.com/8blYcM89WD

— mombinary (@heckdgehog) June 23, 2021

Try using slaw!

True or False?

Slaw always includes cabbage.