A French preposition meaning 'under' or 'below,' commonly used in English in culinary contexts like 'sous chef' (under-chef) or 'sous vide' (under vacuum).
From Latin subtus meaning 'below, underneath,' from sub 'under.' Entered French as 'sous' and has been borrowed into English primarily through culinary terminology. The word maintains its French pronunciation and meaning in English contexts.
The prevalence of 'sous' in English kitchens reflects French cuisine's historical dominance in professional cooking—we've imported not just techniques but the entire hierarchical language. It's fascinating how this simple preposition carries with it centuries of culinary tradition and the rigid brigade system that still defines most restaurant kitchens.
Sous (as in sous chef) historically excluded women; fine dining kitchens were male-dominated hierarchies that gatekept women from advancement.
Use title inclusively; ensure culinary hierarchies are not gender-segregated, and credit women chefs in leadership.
Women chefs like Julia Child, Alice Waters, and countless others broke into male-dominated kitchens; recognize women's contributions to culinary arts and leadership.
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