Tartar vs. Tartare – Which is Correct?
While both tartar and tartare are valid words in English, they refer to distinct concepts, though they share some culinary overlap. Tartar primarily denotes a dental deposit, a historical person, or the sauce. Tartare specifically refers to a dish of finely chopped raw meat or fish, and can also describe the sauce. Understanding their specific contexts is key to correct usage.
Tartar or Tartare – Which is Correct?
The distinction between tartar and tartare lies mainly in their primary applications and origins, though they intersect in the culinary world. Tartar broadly refers to several things: a hard deposit on teeth, a member of the Tatar people (historically known as Tatars), or a condiment known as tartar sauce. Tartare, on the other hand, almost exclusively refers to a specific culinary preparation—a dish of finely chopped raw meat or fish, such as steak tartare or tuna tartare. It can also be used as an adjective, as in “sauce tartare,” which is the same as tartar sauce.
Just as with tartar and tartare, understanding the nuances between other homophones like Tare vs. Tear is crucial for precise communication.
The Best Trick to Remember the Difference
To remember the difference, think of the extra ‘e’ in tartare as standing for Eating. The word tartare (with the ‘e’) is almost always associated with food, specifically the raw, chopped dishes. If you’re talking about a dish you eat, it’s likely tartare. If you’re referring to a dental issue, a historical group, or the sauce in its simplest form, it’s tartar.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tartar | Noun | Dental plaque; a fierce person; a member of the Tatar people; a creamy sauce for seafood. | The dentist had to remove a significant amount of tartar from my teeth. |
| Tartare | Noun (often used adjectivally) | A dish of finely chopped raw meat or fish; (as an adjective) prepared with a sauce tartare. | For appetizers, we ordered a delicious tuna tartare. |
How to Use Tartar
The word tartar has multiple distinct meanings, primarily functioning as a noun. It can refer to the hardened plaque that accumulates on teeth, requiring professional cleaning. Historically, it refers to the Tatar people, a group of Turkic and Mongol descent. In a metaphorical sense, a “tartar” can describe a person who is formidable or difficult to deal with, often used in phrases like “a tough old tartar.” Most commonly in modern everyday language, it refers to tartar sauce, a mayonnaise-based condiment typically served with fried seafood. When using “tartar,” consider the context to ensure clarity, as its meanings are quite varied.
Example 1: Regular dental check-ups are essential for preventing the build-up of tartar on your gums and teeth.
Example 2: The history books detail the fierce reputation of the Golden Horde and the Tartar warriors.
Example 3: My fish and chips wouldn’t be complete without a generous dollop of tartar sauce.
What are the different forms of Tartar?
As a noun, tartar primarily changes form through pluralization.
- Singular: tartar (e.g., “a piece of tartar,” “the old tartar”)
- Plural: tartars (e.g., “several tartars,” referring to people or instances of the dental deposit, though “tartar” often functions as a mass noun for dental plaque)
When referring to tartar sauce, it is typically used as a mass noun and does not have a plural form.
Etymology of the word Tartar
The word tartar originates from the Medieval Latin Tartarus, which itself comes from the Greek Tartaros, referring to a mythical abyss or hell. This connection is likely due to the perceived fierceness of the Tatar people. The dental meaning of “tartar” comes from the French tartre, referring to a crusty deposit, possibly influenced by the earlier sense of a hard, unyielding substance. The culinary “tartar sauce” likely derives its name from the “tartar” people, perhaps suggesting a piquant or strong flavor, or a dish that was associated with them.
How to Use Tartare
The word tartare is almost exclusively used in a culinary context, specifically to describe a dish of raw ingredients, most famously raw meat or fish, that has been finely chopped, seasoned, and often served with capers, onions, and raw egg yolk. The most common examples are steak tartare and tuna tartare. While “sauce tartare” is also a common term, “tartar sauce” is often used interchangeably or preferred in American English. When you see “tartare” as a standalone word or in a compound like “beef tartare,” it invariably refers to this specific preparation style of raw food.
Example 1: The chef’s special appetizer was a beautifully presented salmon tartare with avocado.
Example 2: Many diners enjoy the rich flavor and unique texture of a well-prepared steak tartare.
Example 3: Our meal was accompanied by a side of traditional sauce tartare for the fried calamari.
What are the different forms of Tartare?
As a noun, tartare primarily changes form through pluralization, though it is often used as a singular or mass noun for the dish itself.
- Singular: tartare (e.g., “a plate of tartare,” “the tuna tartare”)
- Plural: tartares (e.g., “They offer several different tartares on the menu,” referring to multiple types of the dish)
It can also function adjectivally, as in “tartare sauce” or “tartare preparation.”
Etymology of the word Tartare
The culinary term tartare is a direct borrowing from the French tartare. In French, “à la tartare” means “in the manner of the Tartars,” suggesting that the dish was either invented by or associated with the Tatar people, perhaps due to their historical practice of eating raw meat, or the sharp, piquant flavor of the sauce often accompanying such dishes. The specific dish “steak tartare” gained popularity in the early 20th century, cementing the term’s culinary usage.
Related Concepts
Understanding broader linguistic concepts can help clarify the nuances between similar-sounding or related words like “tartar” and “tartare.”
- Homophones/Homonyms: These are words that sound alike (homophones) or are spelled alike (homonyms) but have different meanings. While “tartar” and “tartare” are not perfect homophones for all speakers due to the subtle ‘e’ sound in French borrowings, they are close enough to cause confusion. Recognizing that words can sound similar but carry distinct meanings is crucial.
- Loanwords: Many words in English are borrowed from other languages. “Tartare” is a direct loanword from French, retaining its original spelling and often its pronunciation. Understanding that such words might have specific cultural or culinary connotations from their language of origin can help differentiate them from native or more Anglicized terms.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “The detective, a tough old tartar with a heart of gold, always found a way to solve the case.” (Fictional character description)
- “Many historical accounts describe the formidable cavalry of the Tartar hordes that swept across Eurasia.” (Historical context)
- “For a light lunch, she often chose the fresh salmon tartare, perfectly seasoned with dill and lemon.” (Culinary blog)
- “He carefully scraped the hardened tartar from the inside of the antique teapot.” (Description of cleaning)
- “The restaurant’s signature dish was a deconstructed beef tartare, served with various accoutrements for the diner to mix.” (Food review)
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- After years of neglect, his teeth were covered in a thick layer of __________.
- The chef prepared an exquisite tuna __________ for the tasting menu.
- She always asks for extra __________ sauce with her fish and chips.
- The historical documentary explored the migrations and conquests of the __________ people.
- Would you prefer the classic steak __________ or the vegetarian beet version?
Answer Key
- tartar
- tartare
- tartar
- Tartar
- tartare
Tartar Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Plaque | (Dental) A sticky film of bacteria that forms on teeth. |
| Crust | A hard, dry outer layer or covering. |
| Condiment | A substance such as salt, mustard, or pickle that is used to add flavor to food. |
| Fiend | (Informal, referring to a person) A wicked or cruel person; a difficult person. |
Tartare Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Carpaccio | A dish of thinly sliced raw meat or fish, typically beef, served with a sauce or dressing. (Note: Tartare is chopped, carpaccio is sliced.) |
| Ceviche | A dish of raw fish or seafood marinated in citrus juices, typically lime or lemon, and spiced with chili peppers. (Note: Tartare is chopped, ceviche is marinated.) |
| Crudo | Italian for “raw,” referring to a dish of raw fish or seafood, often thinly sliced and dressed with olive oil and seasonings. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can I use “tartar” when referring to the raw meat dish?
No, for the raw meat or fish dish, you should always use tartare (with an ‘e’). “Tartar” refers to dental plaque, a historical people, or the sauce, but not the specific chopped raw dish.
Question 2: Is “sauce tartar” the same as “sauce tartare”?
Yes, in culinary contexts, “sauce tartar” and “sauce tartare” refer to the same mayonnaise-based condiment, often served with seafood. Both spellings are widely accepted for the sauce, although “tartar sauce” is more common in American English.
Question 3: Why do these words sound so similar but have different meanings?
The similarity is due to shared etymological roots, particularly the association with the Tatar people. However, English adopted “tartar” for various meanings over time, while “tartare” was specifically borrowed from French to denote the culinary preparation, maintaining its distinct usage.
Conclusion
Navigating the subtle differences between tartar and tartare can enhance your precision in both written and spoken English. Remember that tartar encompasses dental deposits, a historical people, and the popular seafood sauce, while tartare (with the extra ‘e’) is reserved for the sophisticated raw meat or fish dish and can also describe the sauce. By associating the ‘e’ in tartare with ‘eating’ the raw dish, you can confidently choose the correct term. Pro Tip: Using the correct word demonstrates attention to detail and a strong command of language, which is invaluable in professional settings, especially when discussing cuisine or health.
