To cut food into very small, fine pieces, typically smaller than diced or chopped. The pieces are usually uniform and about 1/8 inch or smaller.
From Old French 'mincier' meaning 'to make small or thin,' derived from Latin 'minutia' meaning 'smallness.' The culinary sense developed in the 14th century as precise knife techniques became important in European cooking.
Mincing was historically crucial before food processors existed - it was the only way to break down tough fibers in meat and aromatics like garlic to release maximum flavor. The technique actually changes the cellular structure of ingredients, which is why minced garlic tastes much stronger than sliced garlic!
Applied pejoratively to men perceived as effeminate or LGBTQ+, 'mincing' gait coded as unmanly. Fewer negative associations with women adopting similar mannerisms.
Use descriptively for movement/speech without moral judgment. Avoid as criticism of gender nonconformity or sexual orientation.
["delicate","refined","careful"]
LGBTQ+ individuals have reclaimed flamboyant expression as authentic self-presentation against pathologizing language.
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