The Bearzatto

Marcus and Luca making dessert dishes together

A big portion of FX’s “The Bear’s” accuracy is embodied through the lingo and slang that the cast is using on set. The show’s popularity has contributed to everyday people not working in the food service industry adapting the lingo into their own speech. Some of the terms can be a little confusing if you’re diving right into the show, so here’s a list of commonly used phrases in “The Bear:”

• Corner – I’m coming around the corner.
• Behind – I’m behind you.
• Back of house – Kitchen/Dish-washing area.
• Front of house – Where orders are taken, served, and customers dine.
• Hands – I need someone here to carry something right now.
• Fire – I need this dish to be prepared immediately.
• All day – the amount of something that is available for the entire shift.
• 86’d – the item has been removed from the menu.
• Heard – I understand what you’re saying, and I am listening to you.

Another term frequently used is “yes, chef.” This means exactly what it sounds like but is professional in the same manner you might hear “yes, sir/ma’am.” Although this phrase may come with irritation or be patronizing, “because the title of chef is still attached, the person is still showing deference to the hierarchy of the kitchen” (Ryan, 2022). Fans of the show will notice that not everyone working in The Beef, now The Bear, is a chef. Yet, everyone is eventually addressed as “Chef.” I think Steven Luna explains is best by saying this action, “makes for a charming elevation of the title to remind us that, in the kitchen, everyone is equally important” (2023). An important theme, not only to mark the characters’ progression in the show, but for any work environment involving teamwork.