What To Know
- Opponents of capitalization maintain that Worcestershire sauce has become a generic term for a type of sauce rather than a specific geographical product.
- The capitalization of Worcestershire sauce remains a matter of debate, with both capitalized and non-capitalized forms being grammatically correct in different contexts.
- Is it wrong to capitalize Worcestershire sauce when it’s not referring to the specific sauce.
Worcestershire sauce, a culinary staple renowned for its tangy and umami flavor, has sparked a linguistic debate: is it capitalized? This blog delves into the grammatical intricacies surrounding the proper capitalization of Worcestershire sauce, exploring the rules, exceptions, and common usage.
The Case for Capitalization
The argument for capitalizing Worcestershire sauce stems from its proper noun status. Worcestershire is a county in England, where the sauce originated. As a proper noun, it follows the grammatical rule of capitalizing the first letter of place names.
The Case for Non-Capitalization
Opponents of capitalization maintain that Worcestershire sauce has become a generic term for a type of sauce rather than a specific geographical product. They argue that it has lost its connection to the county of origin and is now used as a common noun.
Common Usage
In practice, both capitalized and non-capitalized forms of Worcestershire sauce are prevalent. According to Google Ngram Viewer, the capitalized form has been more common in print since the 19th century, while the non-capitalized form has gained popularity in recent decades.
Style Guides
Various style guides offer differing recommendations:
- Chicago Manual of Style: Capitalize when referring to the specific sauce originating from Worcestershire, England.
- AP Stylebook: Capitalize only when referring to the original sauce.
- MLA Style Manual: Capitalize when referring to the specific product or the county of origin.
Exceptions
There are exceptions to the general rules:
- When used as an adjective, Worcestershire should be lowercase: “Worcestershire sauce flavor”
- When part of a brand name, it may be capitalized: “Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce”
Contextual Considerations
The appropriate capitalization of Worcestershire sauce also depends on the context:
- Formal Writing: Capitalize when referring to the specific sauce or county.
- Informal Writing: Non-capitalization is acceptable, especially when referring to the sauce in general.
Final Note
The capitalization of Worcestershire sauce remains a matter of debate, with both capitalized and non-capitalized forms being grammatically correct in different contexts. Style guides and contextual considerations should guide the choice. Ultimately, consistency and clarity are paramount in written communication.
Basics You Wanted To Know
Q: Why is Worcestershire sauce capitalized sometimes?
A: It is capitalized when referring to the specific sauce originating from Worcestershire, England.
Q: When should I capitalize Worcestershire sauce?
A: Capitalize when using it as a proper noun (e.g., referring to the county or the original sauce).
Q: Is it wrong to capitalize Worcestershire sauce when it’s not referring to the specific sauce?
A: No, but it is less formal. Non-capitalization is acceptable when referring to the sauce in general.
Q: What is the correct capitalization for “Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce“?
A: “Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce” should be capitalized as it is a brand name.
Q: Is it ever incorrect to capitalize Worcestershire sauce?
A: Yes, it is incorrect to capitalize it when used as an adjective (e.g., “Worcestershire sauce flavor“).
