slaw

[ slaw ]

noun

1. coleslaw.

slaw

/ slɔː /

noun

1. See coleslaw
   short for coleslaw

Word History and Origins

Origin of slaw¹

1860–65, Americanism; < Dutch sla, short for salade salad

Word History and Origins

Origin of slaw¹

C19: from Dutch sla, short for salade salad

Example Sentences

Sutton, a large man with a square chin, broad forehead and glasses, was quieter than usual that night as a waiter brought out tortilla chips, salsa and a small oval dish of chopped cabbage slaw mixed with diced jalapenos, tomatoes and cilantro.

From ProPublica

Lamping went to play a few rounds of video slots in the back of the restaurant before dinner while Sutton dug into the salsa and slaw.

From ProPublica

Here’s another great way to use pumpkin seeds, but this time to add crunch to this refreshing slaw.

From Washington Post

I asked her to send me a salad recipe that seems just right for summer, and she shared this excellent slaw that features fennel and mangoes.

From Outside Online

I still love that play among the rich, buttery sandwich, soft tang of the slaw and sour punch of the pickles.

From Washington Post

The slaw is vaguely like piccalilli or relish, but has a taste and drippy texture like no other.

From The Daily Beast

A three-piece dinner with slaw, roll, and fried potato wedges runs $5.59.

From The Daily Beast

“Guy Fieri served me my first pork slider w/cole slaw ever, from a trailer booth at our county fair,” posted a second.

From The Daily Beast

Serve it with a light fresh slaw for the perfect contrast to the spicy-sweet chicken.

From The Daily Beast

Sandwich the chicken mixture, slaw, and pickles between each split roll and serve.

From The Daily Beast

The trouble was that Aunt Esmerelda was trying to make cole slaw and she couldn't find her grater to shred the cabbage.

From Project Gutenberg

Turn over it a dressing made as for cold slaw; mix it well and garnish with slices of hard-boiled eggs.

From Project Gutenberg

Then make a dressing the same as for cold slaw, and, while hot, pour it over the hot cabbage.

From Project Gutenberg

Remove the outer leaves from a solid, small-sized head of cabbage, and cut the remainder as fine as for slaw.

From Project Gutenberg

Those who find slaw and other dishes prepared from cabbage indigestible will not complain of this.

From Project Gutenberg

More About Slaw

What is slaw?

Slaw is a cold salad commonly made from sliced or chopped raw vegetables, especially cabbage or carrots, mixed with a dressing made with mayonnaise or vinegar. It often includes other seasonings and ingredients, such as onions and apples.

The word coleslaw can be used to mean the same thing (and slaw is often short for coleslaw). However, coleslaw typically refers to the kind made with cabbage, while slaw can refer to varieties made without cabbage, such as carrot slaw.

Slaw is most commonly served as a side dish, such as for barbecue, or a topping, such as for sandwiches. In the U.S., it’s associated with cookouts and picnics and known as a common side dish at some restaurants.

Example: My mom makes a tasty slaw with carrots and onions. 

Where does slaw come from?

The first records of the word slaw come from the 1860s. It comes from the Dutch sla, a contraction of salade, meaning “salad.”

Coleslaw is first recorded earlier and comes from the Dutch koolsla, in which kool means “cabbage.” The word cole ultimately comes from the Latin caulis, meaning “plant stalk” or “cabbage.” It can be used to refer to a number of plants in the genus that includes cabbage, kale, and other related vegetables. Related words include kohlrabi, a type of cabbage, and cauliflower.

Did you know … ?

What are some synonyms for slaw?

• coleslaw

What are some words that share a root or word element with slaw? 

• salad

What are some words that often get used in discussing slaw?

• side dish
• cabbage
• carrot
• mayonnaise
• vinegar
• barbecue
• cookout
• picnic
• baked beans
• hot dogs
• salad

How is slaw used in real life?

Slaw is a common side dish at cookouts and some restaurants. It comes in many variations, including those made with mayonnaise- and vinegar-based dressings. Some people love it and some people think it’s gross.

Hubby got soft shelled crabs with a side of slaw. I got rockfish with a side of charred broccolini. pic.twitter.com/GZDgu4eps5

— 🏳️‍🌈Bougier Than Thou-and vaccinated, too🏳️‍🌈 (@ScottyBurberry) May 30, 2021

Loaded pork fries topped with slaw, you asked for it..you got it pic.twitter.com/XUHINQG034

— Pa BBQ PigRig (@PaBBQ_PigRig) June 24, 2021

from scratch chicken bacon mac + apple carrot slaw pic.twitter.com/8blYcM89WD

— mombinary (@heckdgehog) June 23, 2021

Try using slaw!

True or False?

Slaw always includes cabbage.