marmite

Everyday

1. Marmite is a dark brown, sticky, salty spread made from yeast, eaten on toast, especially in the UK; New Zealand has its own Marmite too. tree →
2. (informal, UK) Something «Marmite» is something people either love or hate, with nobody in the middle. tree →
3. (French) «Une marmite» is a large cooking pot, shown on the jar. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life in Britain and New Zealand, Marmite on toast is a common breakfast; its old advertising line «love it or hate it» led to the saying «it's a Marmite thing». Australians have a similar spread called Vegemite. In science, it is made from leftover yeast from brewing beer and contains B vitamins. Common phrases: «Marmite on toast», «a Marmite thing», «love it or hate it».

Examples

• I have Marmite on toast every morning. tree →
• My brother hates Marmite and says it smells like old socks. tree →
• Pineapple on pizza is a Marmite thing — you love it or hate it. tree →
• Marmite is made from yeast. tree →
• You only need a thin layer of Marmite. tree →
• In Australia, people eat Vegemite instead of Marmite. tree →
• The singer is a bit Marmite: half my class loves her songs. tree →

Note

A brand name, so usually a capital M. Uncountable (some Marmite, not «a Marmite»). Say MAR-mite. New Zealand Marmite and British Marmite taste different. The «love it or hate it» meaning is informal British English.