Everyday Food Phrases Explained

Chopped Liver

The food expression "chopped liver" is often used to express feeling neglected or insignificant. However, its origins are related to food.

Chopped liver is a dish made from cooked liver that has been finely chopped and seasoned with onion and other spices. It is a traditional Jewish dish commonly served on holidays and special occasions. In Jewish cuisine, liver is considered a delicacy and is often used in various dishes.

The expression “What am I, chopped liver?" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century in the Jewish community of New York City. It was used to express feeling overlooked or disregarded in social situations. The phrase likely came about because chopped liver was often served as a side dish rather than the main course, so it was considered less necessary or desirable.

Over time, the expression became more widely used and evolved to mean feeling unimportant or undervalued. It has since been used in various contexts and has become a common phrase in American English.

The expression "chopped liver" has its roots in Jewish cuisine. It was originally used to express a feeling of being overlooked or undervalued, but over time, it evolved into a more general expression for feeling unimportant or neglected.