The English language can be tricky, especially when it borrows words from other languages. One question that often confuses writers, food enthusiasts, and even professional chefs is: what is the correct plural of “chef”? Should it be chefs or cheves? The answer is simpler than many think, but understanding the origin, rules, and proper usage will help you write and speak confidently.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the word chef, explore pluralization rules, common mistakes, related culinary terms, and even some fun trivia along the way. By the end, you’ll never hesitate when writing about one or more chefs again.
Understanding the Word “Chef”
Origin and Meaning
The word chef comes from the French phrase chef de cuisine, which literally means “head of the kitchen”. In French, chef simply means “chief” or “leader.” The term was adopted into English in the 19th century as French cuisine became popular worldwide, particularly in high-end restaurants and hotels.
In English, the word retained its prestige and specific culinary connotation. It no longer just means “chief” in general—it specifically refers to someone skilled in cooking and responsible for managing a kitchen.
Usage in English Today
Today, chef appears in various contexts:
- Professional kitchens: “The chefs prepared a five-course meal for the guests.”
- Media and TV shows: Cooking competitions often use the term to denote expertise.
- Casual references: Even at home, people sometimes call someone a chef if they’re the “head cook” of a dinner party.
Understanding this helps clarify why the plural form matters. In professional writing, menus, or articles, the wrong plural can make content look careless.
The Rules of Pluralization in English
Regular vs Irregular Plurals
In English, most nouns form their plural by simply adding -s or -es:
- cat → cats
- bus → buses
- box → boxes
Some nouns are irregular and change completely:
- child → children
- mouse → mice
- man → men
Knowing these rules helps when deciding how to pluralize foreign words like chef.
Influence of Original Language on Plurals
Foreign words in English often keep the English plural rather than the original language plural. For instance:
- cactus → cacti or cactuses (both accepted)
- phenomenon → phenomena
- chef → chefs
The Correct Plural of Chef
Chefs
The correct plural in English is chefs. This is standard across all types of writing, from cookbooks to news articles.
Examples:
- “The restaurant hired three talented chefs.”
- “Our chefs specialize in Mediterranean cuisine.”
- “Several chefs collaborated for the charity event.”
This plural follows English rules for words ending in a consonant plus f, simply adding -s instead of changing the f to v (like some other words, e.g., leaf → leaves).
Cheves
Some people mistakenly use cheves, thinking it follows French plural rules or that it sounds more sophisticated. This is incorrect. In both English dictionaries and culinary references, cheves is not recognized.
Origin of Confusion:
- French influence: In French, plural forms often add an -s, but pronunciation and spelling differ.
- Misreading old texts: Some historical cookbooks might use different conventions, leading to confusion.
Why “Chefs” Works Better
- Simplicity: English prefers regular plurals for borrowed words.
- Consistency: All major style guides, including Merriam-Webster, Oxford English Dictionary, and culinary references, list chefs as the plural.
- Avoids errors: Using cheves can make writing look unprofessional.
Common Mistakes and Misconceptions
Many errors occur because writers assume foreign words follow their original rules. Here are common mistakes:
- Mispronunciation: Saying “shev” instead of “shefs.”
- Misspelling in writing: Using cheves in menus, articles, or social media posts.
- Confusing with French plural forms: French plurals are not always applicable in English.
Case Study:
A popular food blog once wrote: “The kitchen employed five cheves to prepare the banquet.” The post received comments correcting the plural. Switching to chefs improved credibility and clarity.
Tips for Correct Usage
Here are practical tips to ensure you always use the correct plural:
- Writing tip: Use chefs in all professional and casual contexts.
- Proofreading checklist:
- Check foreign words for English plural conventions.
- Consult style guides if unsure.
- Dictionaries matter: Merriam-Webster, Cambridge, and Oxford all confirm chefs.
Example Table: Singular → Plural
| Singular | Plural |
| Chef | Chefs |
| Sous-chef | Sous-chefs |
| Pastry chef | Pastry chefs |
| Sommelier | Sommeliers |
| Maître d’ | Maîtres d’ |
Related Words and Plurals in Culinary Terms
Culinary titles often follow the same plural rules as chef:
- Sous-chef → Sous-chefs
- Pastry chef → Pastry chefs
- Head chef → Head chefs
- Sommelier → Sommeliers
- Maître d’ → Maîtres d’
This consistency makes writing menus, articles, and cookbooks much easier. Always check each title, but English generally favors adding -s.
Fun Facts About the Word “Chef”
- The first recorded use of chef in English was in the early 1800s.
- In French, chef still means “chief” in general, not just in cooking.
- Popular media has shaped how we perceive chefs: from celebrity TV chefs to Michelin-starred masters.
- Some idioms use “chef” metaphorically: “He’s the chef of his own destiny,” meaning he leads or controls his path.
Conclusion
To wrap up, the correct plural of chef is always chefs, not cheves. This applies to professional writing, casual conversation, menus, and social media.
Using chefs consistently demonstrates linguistic accuracy and professionalism. It also aligns with English plural rules for borrowed words. Avoiding mistakes like cheves ensures your writing is credible and easy to read.
Whether you’re writing a blog, a recipe, or a restaurant menu, trust the simple rule: one chef, two chefs, many chefs. Your readers—and fellow food lovers—will thank you.
FAQs
Is it chef or chefs?
The singular is chef, the plural is chefs.
Can you say cheves?
No. Cheves is incorrect in English.
How do you pluralize French words in English?
Most foreign words adopt standard English plurals unless widely accepted otherwise.
