Meaning & use
chef's kiss
Last updated
Meaning
interjectioninformal
An informal expression, often paired with a kissing-fingers gesture, used to say that something is excellent or perfect.
Grammar: Used as a standalone comment or exclamation, often at the end of a sentence: 'That meal was chef's kiss.'
Patterns
- be + chef's kiss
- chef's kiss (as a comment)
The cake you made was chef's kiss — I want the recipe.
He posted a photo of his new car with the caption 'chef's kiss'.
A: How was the concert? B: Chef's kiss. Absolutely perfect.
Common combinations
- absolutely chef's kiss
- Her performance was absolutely chef's kiss.
- give something a chef's kiss
- The chef gave the dish a chef's kiss before sending it out.
- chef's kiss emoji
- He replied with the chef's kiss emoji to show approval.
Synonyms and how they differ
- perfect
- Perfect is a neutral adjective; chef's kiss is an informal interjection that adds a playful, enthusiastic tone.
- flawless
- Flawless means 'without any mistakes' and is more formal; chef's kiss is a casual, often humorous way to say something is excellent.
Opposites
Commonly confused: chef's kiss or French kiss?
chef's kiss vs French kiss
French kiss is a deep kiss between people; chef's kiss is a gesture of praise for something well done.
Practice
When would you most likely say 'chef's kiss'?
Choose one answer.
Chef's kiss expresses strong approval, often for food or any excellent thing. It doesn't fit anger, farewells, or requests.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “chef's kiss”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.