“A La Mode” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 5, 2024 by Liam Daniel

A term you might hear very often in conversation or in writing might be “a la mode”. You have probably heard this phrase and maybe have wondered what exactly it means, or perhaps where it came from. Let’s take a look at the meaning behind the term and why we use it.

A La Mode Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “A la mode” is a term used to describe something which is on trend or in style. However, it is also a term used in the United States to refer to something served with ice cream. These two meanings might seem to be totally opposite so it is important we learn the proper use of each meaning.
A La Mode Meaning
A La Mode Meaning – Created by 7ESL

What Does “A La Mode” Mean?

“A la mode” is a French phrase that means “in the fashion” or “in style.” In English, it has two common uses:

  1. In fashion or style: It can describe something that is trendy or fashionable.
    • Example: “Wearing that hat is very a la mode right now.”
  2. With ice cream: In American English, it’s commonly used in food, especially to describe desserts, meaning “served with ice cream.”
    • Example: “I’d like the apple pie a la mode, please.” (which means the pie will be served with ice cream on top or on the side).

The second meaning is much more common in the U.S., especially in reference to desserts.

Origin of this Idiom

“A la mode” is a term which comes from the French language. Looking back through history we can see that the phrase was one of the earliest French phrases to be incorporated into the English language way back in the 1600s. The use of the term to mean “served with ice cream” was introduced in the early 1900s.

Usage of “A La Mode”

  • Fashionable or stylish:
    • “Her outfit was very a la mode this season.”
    • “That hairstyle is a la mode in Paris right now.”
  • Served with ice cream (especially in the U.S. for desserts):
    • “I’d like my apple pie a la mode, with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.”
    • “This brownie a la mode is delicious with the ice cream on top.”

Related Terms to “A La Mode”

Here are some related terms to “a la mode”:

  • Chic – Stylish and fashionable
  • Trendy – Following the latest trends or fashions
  • Haute couture – High-end fashion that is custom-made
  • In vogue – Popular or fashionable at a particular time
  • À la carte – A menu option where dishes are ordered individually.
  • Sundae – A dessert made with ice cream, similar to a la mode but more elaborate

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

Other ways in which you might say “a la mode” could be:

  • On trend (for the meaning of fashionable)
  • With a scoop (for the meaning of served with ice cream)
  • Beautiful
  • Slick-fashioned

“A La Mode” Examples

You would likely use this term in its first meaning to describe a person who is very stylish, or you may use it to talk about an item of clothing that is very fashionable. In its second meaning, you would use it to order a dessert with which you would like ice cream.

Example Sentences

  • Let me see…I’ll have an apple pie a la mode.
  • I got the nice apple pie with the ice cream top, a la mode.
  • Here is your pie a la mode, sir.
  • If I have one more pie a la mode…I’m going to need my own zip code.
  • We’ll get Papa to buy you something a little more a la mode.

Conversation Examples

The ways in which you would use the term a la mode might sound a little like the following conversations.

Conversation 1:

  • Person 1: Did you see what Alison was wearing to the party?
  • Person 2: Yes, that dress was beautiful.
  • Person 1: She looked very a la mode.

Conversation 2:

  • Waitress: Can I get you some dessert?
  • Customer: Yes I’d like some apple pie a la mode, please.
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