American Accent:
British Accent:
Phonetic Spelling:
- UK: /ˈdʒaɪ.rəʊ/ (JAI-roh)
- US: /ˈdʒaɪ.roʊ/ (JAI-roh)
Meaning:
The word “gyro” refers to a popular Greek dish made of meat (often lamb, pork, or chicken) that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. It is typically served in a pita bread with toppings like tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. Additionally, “gyro” can refer to the rotisserie cooking method itself.
Examples:
- I had a delicious gyro with lamb, tzatziki, and fresh vegetables for lunch today.
- The gyro was perfectly cooked, with crispy edges and tender meat inside.
- After the hike, we stopped by the food truck for a quick gyro.
- He ordered a gyro platter with fries and a side of salad.
Synonyms:
- Shawarma
- Kebab
- Souvlaki
- Doner
- Sandwich
Antonyms:
- Salad
- Soup
- Grilled vegetables
- Raw food
- Vegetarian dish
Etymology:
The word “gyro” comes from the Greek word “γύρος” (gyros), which means “turn” or “revolution,” referring to the turning or rotating method of cooking the meat on a vertical rotisserie. It was influenced by the Turkish doner kebab, which has a similar cooking method.
Common Mispronunciations:
- Incorrect: /ˈɡaɪ.roʊ/ (GYE-roh)
- Correct: /ˈdʒaɪ.roʊ/ (JAI-roh)
Many people mistakenly pronounce it with a hard “G” sound, but the correct pronunciation starts with a “J” sound, as in “jelly.”
Usage Tips:
- “Gyro” is most commonly used when referring to the Greek dish or the method of preparing it. It’s best used in contexts where food is being discussed, especially when talking about Mediterranean or Greek cuisine.
- While you may hear “gyro” used in casual conversation, always pronounce it with a “J” sound at the beginning, as it’s closer to its Greek origin.