piece of meat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "piece of meat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often to refer to a cut of meat or, in a more figurative sense, to describe someone as an object or commodity. Example: "The butcher displayed a fresh piece of meat on the counter, ready for customers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're a piece of meat.

The New York Times - Sports

"You're just a piece of meat.

The New York Times - Sports

It was a lovely piece of meat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Liquid on a damp piece of meat just doesn't compete.

The New York Times - Food

"An old, broken-down piece of meat," he calls himself.

The New Yorker

Or maybe he just liked a good piece of meat.

The New York Times

She too thinks he's a nice piece of meat.

The Guardian - Film

It's either a good piece of meat or it isn't.

The New York Times - Food

The result was a tender, juicy piece of meat.

The New York Times

That's no way to treat a piece of meat.

The New York Times - Food

Stop selling yourselves; you are not a piece of meat.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing food preparation, be specific with terms like "cut of meat" or "portion of meat" for clarity.

Common error

Be cautious when using "piece of meat" figuratively, as it can be demeaning. Consider the impact of your words and whether a more respectful alternative exists.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "piece of meat" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It refers literally to a portion of animal flesh or, figuratively, to someone being objectified. Ludwig's examples showcase both literal and figurative usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

23%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Lifestyle

8%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "piece of meat" is a versatile noun phrase, commonly used both literally to describe a cut of meat and figuratively to denote objectification. Ludwig highlights that while grammatically correct and frequently used, the figurative sense can be considered offensive. Therefore, caution is advised when using "piece of meat" in this manner. Alternative phrases like "cut of meat" or "body as an object" can provide more specific and nuanced meanings depending on the intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cut of meat

Focuses specifically on the portion of meat, suitable for culinary contexts.

portion of meat

Emphasizes the quantity aspect of the meat, useful in recipes and serving suggestions.

slab of meat

Highlights the thickness and size of the meat, appropriate when describing preparation or presentation.

chunk of meat

Implies a roughly cut or irregularly shaped piece of meat.

hunk of meat

Suggests a large, substantial piece of meat, often associated with hearty meals.

meat serving

Refers to the amount of meat allocated for one person in a meal.

meat ration

Indicates a controlled allocation of meat, often in scarce situations.

meat morsel

Emphasizes a small, bite-sized portion of meat, suitable for appetizers or snacks.

body as an object

Shifts the context to objectification, where a person is viewed solely for their physical attributes.

sexual object

Highlights the theme of considering someone only for sexual gratification.

FAQs

How can I use "piece of meat" in a sentence?

You can use "piece of meat" to describe a cut of meat, as in "The butcher displayed a fresh piece of meat". Figuratively, it can describe someone objectified, as in "She felt like a piece of meat in the industry".

What's a less offensive way to say someone is being treated like a "piece of meat"?

Instead of saying someone is being treated like a "piece of meat", you could say they are being objectified, commodified, or treated as a mere object.

Is it ever appropriate to use "piece of meat" to describe a person?

Using "piece of meat" to describe a person is generally considered derogatory and objectifying. It should be avoided unless you're quoting someone or explicitly discussing objectification.

What are some common synonyms for "piece of meat" when referring to food?

When referring to food, synonyms for "piece of meat" include "cut of meat", "portion of meat", "slab of meat", or "chunk of meat".