mincer

A mincer is usually a machine that chops meat or other food into very small pieces. In many kitchens, it does the same job as a meat grinder. You might use one to prepare minced beef, sausage filling, or finely chopped vegetables. Less commonly, a mincer can also be a person who minces, meaning someone who walks with small, affected steps or speaks in an overly delicate way. That personal sense is much less common than the machine sense today.

The word "mincer" most often refers to a machine used to cut meat or other food into very small pieces. In everyday use, especially in British English, it often means a kitchen tool like a meat grinder. Someone might attach a mincer to a mixer, turn a hand mincer, or use an electric mincer to prepare burgers, meatballs, or sausage meat. The central idea is simple: the machine breaks food down into fine pieces.

There is also a second, less common meaning based on the verb mince. In that sense, a mincer is a person who minces in movement or manner. This can describe someone who walks with short, careful, affected steps, or someone who speaks in a way that seems too delicate or overly refined. This use is much rarer now and may sound old-fashioned or judgmental, depending on the context.

It is important not to confuse this word with the phrase to mince words. A person can mince words by speaking carefully or indirectly, but that does not automatically make them a mincer in the main modern sense. The noun usually points to the machine, not to a dishonest or flattering person.

So if you see mincer in a recipe, kitchen guide, or product ad, think of a tool that grinds or finely chops food. If you meet it in older descriptive writing, it may instead mean a person with affected speech or movement. The machine meaning is the one learners are most likely to need.