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a pan or tray used for cooking meat, poultry, and vegetables
What is a "roaster"?
A roaster is a large, deep cooking vessel specifically designed for roasting meats and poultry in the oven. It typically features low sides and may have a lid or a rack to elevate the food and allow air to circulate around it. Roasters come in various sizes and materials, including stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, and ceramic, each offering different advantages for cooking. They are used for roasting whole chickens, turkeys, beef roasts, pork roasts, and other large cuts of meat, as well as for cooking vegetables and other side dishes. Roasters are valued for their ability to cook food evenly and retain moisture, resulting in tender, flavorful dishes with crispy exteriors.
a person considered contemptible, foolish, or deserving ridicule
British
What is the origin of the term "roaster" and how is it used?
"Roaster" is a slang term that emerged in English in the 20th century, particularly in British and Irish informal speech, evolving from the literal sense of someone who roasts food or from the verb "to roast," meaning to mock or ridicule. Over time, it came to label a person seen as foolish, contemptible, or deserving of ridicule, often implying someone who makes a spectacle of themselves. It is commonly used in casual conversation, banter, and online exchanges, especially in insult-heavy or joking environments. The term is mildly to moderately derogatory and usually humorous, though it can be insulting depending on tone and context.
flesh of a large young chicken over 3 1/2 lb suitable for roasting
a cook who roasts food
a harsh or humorous critic (sometimes intended as a facetious compliment)
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