I think I'm a foodite

TBT's Pete Couture turned me on to a great little conversation on Grub Street, posted by Jennifer Lynn Pelka:

"The big discussion at last night’s “Brooklyn Eats” talk in Dumbo was the semantic difference between “foodie” and “foodist.” Phoebe Damrosch, author of Service Included pointed out that, in New York, “foodie” has become a derogatory term used to describe those who sit at home watching Semi-Homemade on the Food Network. Another type of foodie, an audience member added, is one who seeks out new restaurants, wines, and foods only to check them off a laundry list of places to see and be seen. Edible Brooklyn editor Gabrielle Langholtz suggested that bona fide food fans — those who read food books, travel to food destinations, and taste obsessively — could refer to themselves as “foodists,” as intense Star Trek fans go not by “trekkies” but “trekkers”."

Hmm, not sure how I feel about it. "Gourmet" is an utterly bankrupt word, and when I see it on a menu I get the heebies (actually, same with the word "fresh"--as opposed to what?). "Gourmand" and "connoisseur" are too grandiose. I suppose "foodie" has always conveyed to me someone with an avid, perhaps even unnatural preoccupation with food. Maybe they cook, maybe they don't, but they eat with enthusiasm and attention.

But is "foodist" really accurate? It's "one that performs a specialized action ... a specialist in a specified art, science, or skill." So, that specialized skill would be, um, eating? Then how about "foodian"? That's  "one relating to or belonging to." That seems less pretentious, but it's a little vague.

Alright, I think I have it. A "foodite," the suffix "ite" meaning "a member of a tribe, a member of a faction and a denizen of a place."

Photo from TheNibble.com.

Comments

[Hank]

Mouth, I am still very partial to "trencherman". Not really a glutton, but eats with gusto.

I have determined that while you may be a gourmet, foodie, foodist, foodian (BTW, I really like culinologist) etc., you would have to agree that at a minimum, all free food always tastes better. LOL

[jim webster]

i hated the word foodie the first time i heard it, and bristle everytime i am referred to as one, tho i generally say nothing, since i have no better alternative to offer.

among friends, i have become partial to the self-coined "fudist." somehow, i just like it better than "foodist." and i am absolutely sure its just me.

[Old Chef Dude]

I'm not quite sure what it is but, It defies definition, an obsession and a desire to seek out cuisine that is properly prepared ,seasoned , presented, and served without flaw or pretension in an atmosphere that is conducive to enjoyment.etc...Damn!fundamentally gastronomic ecstasy ! May my search and rewards never end . Please!!!???