There are lots of special words that families use, and most
of them have little application outside the family circle, but in “mips” we
have a word which has a meaning genuinely not found elsewhere.
A “mip” is a hard particle of something which you find in
your food. Derived from “pip”, it can be exactly that – for example, the blackcurrant
or blackberry pips found in jam. However,
it doesn’t have to be derived from fruit, but can be anything, savoury or
sweet, which grates between the teeth. Its definition depends upon that
sensation. It isn’t the hardness per se, either, but the contrast between the
hard bits and the soft food around it.
Whole spices are “mips”, like the coriander seeds we fry with
mushrooms or the pumpkin seeds in a coleslaw. At a pinch, it can even be
chopped nuts, if these are hard and not incorporated into the meal. On the
other hand, poppy seeds on bread are not mips as they are so small they can be
eaten without noticing. Equally, larger pieces, such as cinnamon sticks or plum
stones, are not “mips” either as they can easily be seen, picked out and
discarded.
The word was formed with the children, who disliked (and
still dislike) “mips” in their food. “Has it got mips in?” was and is a frequent
question. An answer in the affirmative will always guarantee that the offer of
that particular food will be declined.
There is an adjectival form, “mippy”. There is also the noun “mipfest” for one of
those gloriously flavoured meals we enjoy immediately before, and immediately
after, the children have visited.
