The word “congealed” today has a negative connotation when
it comes to foodstuffs. We use this word when describing something that has sat
out on the table too long and become inedible. A mayonnaise-based salad, for
example, will take on an alarming transparent glazed look after several hours.
This out to indicate to any casual observer that the salad must not, under any
circumstances, be eaten, for it has become toxic.
But this is not what the word “congealed” means.
Congeal dates from
the late 14th century Old French congeler,
meaning to freeze or thicken — which in turn comes from the Latin congelare, meaning to freeze together. Com means together; gelare means to freeze.
An ice cream or sorbet, then, is congealed. Ideas can become
congealed in your mind if they cease to be fluid.
You never want someone to remark on your intellect as “a
shimmering interplay between aspic and mousse,” for example.
Also from this book: Eat Your Vegetables, Mind Your Tongue
