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The Perfect Word · #1 (**permalink**) 04-23-2010

...and Brussels sprouts or brussels sprouts? I've looked and cannot find a definitive answer, although a lot of what I have read leans toward not capitalizing. I don't run into this type of thing often, but when typing a transcript tonight, I came to a discussion of menu items including the aforementioned sprouts. I wanted to capitalize Brussels, but just didn't know for sure. Is there a best or right way to go on these?

Thanks for helping with a silly question!!

OptimOffice · #2 (**permalink**) 04-23-2010

Hi Pam,
This is not a silly question! The answer is Brussels sprouts, French fries.
Sylvie

intercovbc · #3 (**permalink**) 04-23-2010

I'm not sure what the "real" answer is, I've seen grammar sites say French, and grammar sites that say it doesn't matter, just be consistent. Personally, I don't capitalize.

This gave me a laugh so I thought I'd share.

http://www.ncsu.edu/ncsu/grammar/Capital3.html

Quote:

Question: (From an N.C. State editing student): Should I capitalize the "B" in brussels sprouts?
Answer: In general, style manuals for all types of publications prescribe a streamlined "down" style for capitalization of words derived from proper names but used with a specialized meaning. This means that regardless of the style manual you consult, The Associated Press Stylebook (for newspaper style) or The Chicago Manual of Style for book and magazine style), you are likely to decide to lowercase the "B" in brussels sprouts on analogy with the initial "F" in french fries. The Chicago Manual, however, notes permissively that "Authors and editors must decide for themselves, but whatever choice is made should be followed consistently throughout a work."
This, of course, is license to do whatever your fancy directs. It is the Grammar Hotline's opinion that lowercasing brussels sprouts is one tiny step toward popularizing them. Furthermore, it is my considered opinion that Brussels sprouts are so vile that they do not deserve to be popular. In a quixotic attempt to keep them off my dinner plate, I am going to recommend consistent uppercasing of the "B" in Brussels sprouts.
You can do what you want, of course (as long as you do it consistently), but if you choose the "down" (lowercase) style, don't come crying to me when your local burger jockey tries to close your order with a cheery "Do you want brussels sprouts with that?"

firingarrows · #4 (**permalink**) 04-24-2010

Hi .. In my opinion it's French Fries and Brussels Sprouts.

Regards

DonnaFrance · #5 (**permalink**) 04-26-2010

I am working for a language teacher at the moment - and she has asked me capitilise all references in english - i.e. English, England, French, France ... but not to use capitals when writing in french - i.e. anglais or français. Donna

seattlejan · #6 (**permalink**) 06-12-2010

I'm a little late to this party, but I rarely see french fries and brussels sprouts capitalized.

To add a bit of fuel:

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/592/1/

http://www.infoplease.com/ipa/A0001601.html
this source says that, in addition to "french fries," it's "plaster of paris," "china cups," and "vienna sausage"

The Perfect Word · #7 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010

It can be so confusing as some sources say one thing, some say another. I'm actually starting to see french fries capitalized less and less now than I used to.

Clerical Advantage · #8 (**permalink**) 06-16-2010

I would think that french fries would not be capitalized as long as it's being used to describe a type of potato dish; think mashed potatoes.
On the Brussels sprouts, I'm not even going to hazard a guess.

(and a little disclaimer: I'm not a grammar/capitalization guru, just giving my opinion on the french fries.)

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Is it French fries or french fries...?