red-meat
UK[ˈred miːt]US[ˈred miːt]
n
Meat that is dark in color when raw, especially beef and lamb, as opposed to poultry or fish.
n
Figuratively, something that strongly appeals to a particular group's base instincts or core beliefs, especially in politics.
Morpheme Breakdown
red
meat
red
color
meat
flesh
Etymology
The compound "red-meat" is a straightforward descriptive term from Old English roots. "Red," from Proto-Germanic raudaz, originally described the color of blood, rust, and certain dyes. "Meat," from Proto-Germanic matiz, broadly meant "food" but narrowed in meaning to specifically denote animal flesh. The term "red meat" emerged in the early modern period to categorize darker, myoglobin-rich meats like beef and lamb against "white meat" like poultry. The 20th-century political metaphor builds on this literal sense, implying raw, fundamental, and energizing material for a dedicated base, mirroring how literal red meat is a primal, satisfying food.
Analysis
Structure: red (color) + meat (flesh)
- red: From Old English rēad, of Germanic origin, related to Dutch rood and German rot. Functions as an adjective describing a color.
- meat: From Old English mete ("food, item of food"), of Germanic origin. Functions as a noun denoting animal flesh as food.
Examples
Doctors often recommend limiting consumption of red meat like steak and lamb chops.
The politician's speech was full of red-meat rhetoric designed to excite the party's core supporters.
For the barbecue, we bought both red meat and white meat to cater to all preferences.