a la mode
See also: alamode and à la mode
Contents
1 English
1.1 Alternative forms
1.2 Etymology
1.3 Adjective
1.3.1 Synonyms
1.4 Adverb
English
Alternative forms
- à la mode
- alamode
Etymology
From French à la mode (“in fashion”). The US sense was coined by polyglot restaurant owner John Gieriet in Minnesota in the 1800s though later attributed to Berry Hall and Charles Watson Townsend.
Adjective
a la mode (not comparable)
Fashionable; in the current style or fashion.
(US) Served with ice cream.
- Our pie a la mode has a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
November 1959, "Martin Bunn", Popular Science, Gus Pulls a Switch:
- With a bowl of beef stew, apple pie a la mode, and two cups of coffee under his belt, Gus Wilson walked leisurely back to the Model Garage.
- Of beef: larded and stewed with vegetables.
Synonyms
(fashionable): cool, trendy, classy
Adverb
a la mode (comparative more a la mode, superlative most a la mode)
- In a particular style or fashion.