fear of cooking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fear of cooking" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing someone's anxiety or apprehension about preparing food. Example: "Her fear of cooking often leads her to rely on takeout instead of trying new recipes at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mageirocophobia- Fear of cooking.

The New Yorker

It's called mageirocophobia, the fear of cooking.

The New York Times

I had to get over fear of cooking (burning, overseasoning, menu timing).

The New York Times

She brought an air heater closer, while acknowledging a fear of cooking the flesh.

The New Yorker

Each segment was put online so the masses could tie a roast with Paul Bertolli, boil pasta with Lidia Bastianich, roast a chicken with Thomas Keller and so on, thereby alleviating any remaining fear of cooking simple meals with fresh ingredients.

The New York Times

The current model, Garg said, was an attempt to combine her own fear of cooking with the "cooking prowess" of Gobble's executive chef Thomas Ricci.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

He is a deliberate study, if not a quick one, and he masters his fear of water and his ignorance of cooking in the interest of self-improvement and in the hope of finding some respite from the loneliness that afflicts him.

The New York Times

One of his great fears is to be known as the Axl Rose of cooking.

The New Yorker

He advises first-timers not to fear the fat that is released by the beef toward the end of cooking.

The New York Times - Magazine

Supplies of cooking gas have already run out and there are fears that the same will happen soon to petrol.

The Economist

And now technology and television have taken the fear out of cooking and anybody can be talked through the preparation of the most complicated Ghanaian dish.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing someone's difficulties with meal preparation, use "fear of cooking" to accurately convey their anxiety. You can also explore the root causes, such as past failures or lack of confidence.

Common error

Avoid using "fear of cooking" when simply referring to a preference for takeout or eating out. "Fear" implies a level of anxiety or apprehension that goes beyond mere dislike.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fear of cooking" functions as a noun phrase describing a specific type of anxiety or phobia. It clearly identifies the object of the fear, which is the act of cooking. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a usable phrase in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fear of cooking" accurately describes anxiety related to food preparation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While not extremely common, the phrase appears in various sources, predominantly news and media, and is a useful descriptor for mageirocophobia or general cooking anxiety. When using this phrase, ensure the context warrants the implication of actual "fear" rather than simple dislike. Alternatives such as "cooking anxiety" or "aversion to cooking" can be used to refine the nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cooking anxiety

Replaces "fear" with "anxiety", focusing on the psychological discomfort associated with cooking.

aversion to cooking

Substitutes "fear" with "aversion", indicating a strong dislike or reluctance towards cooking.

dislike of cooking

A simpler and more direct way to express a negative feeling about cooking.

reluctance to cook

Highlights the unwillingness to engage in cooking activities.

cooking phobia

Uses "phobia" to indicate a more intense and irrational fear of cooking, also known as mageirocophobia.

hesitation about cooking

Suggests a pause or uncertainty before starting to cook.

apprehension about cooking

Focuses on the anticipation of something unpleasant related to cooking.

anxiousness regarding cooking

Replaces "fear" with "anxiousness", highlighting the nervousness and unease associated with cooking.

unease with cooking

Expresses a feeling of discomfort or disquiet about cooking.

culinary intimidation

Suggests that the person feels overwhelmed or daunted by the task of cooking.

FAQs

What does "fear of cooking" mean?

The phrase "fear of cooking" refers to a state of anxiety or apprehension experienced when faced with the task of preparing food. It can range from mild discomfort to a more intense phobia, known as mageirocophobia.

What are some alternative ways to say "fear of cooking"?

You can use alternatives like "cooking anxiety", "aversion to cooking", or "dislike of cooking" depending on the intensity of the feeling.

Is "fear of cooking" a real phobia?

Yes, a severe fear of cooking is a real phobia called mageirocophobia. It's more intense than simply disliking cooking and can cause significant distress.

How can someone overcome their "fear of cooking"?

Overcoming "fear of cooking" can involve taking cooking classes, starting with simple recipes, and gradually building confidence. Seeking support from friends or family can also be helpful.