A la mode means: ; in the current style or fashion.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
a la mode
; in the current style or fashion.
Definitions
Global
#1·Apr 27, 2026Global
; in the current style or fashion.
Rosettes are the hottest trend right now, and it's looking so damn good on this à la mode crochet bikini set. When you're not beach or poolside, you could even match the triangle top with a sleek maxi or high-waisted bottoms.
Origin: . The US sense was coined by polyglot restaurant owner John Gieriet in Minnesota in the 1800s though later attributed to Berry Hall and Charles Watson Townsend. Origin information sourced from Wiktionary contributors (CC BY-SA 4.0).
For parents
A la mode means: ; in the current style or fashion.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
For ESL learners
a la mode means: ; in the current style or fashion.. Register: neutral, standard English. Common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; always check the context before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.
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Global
#2·Apr 27, 2026Global
(cooking) Of beef: larded and stewed with vegetables.
With a bowl of beef stew, apple pie a la mode, and two cups of coffee under his belt, Gus Wilson walked leisurely back to the Model Garage.
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Global
#3·Apr 27, 2026Global
(US) Served with ice cream.
Our pudding a la mode has a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
For parents
A la mode means: Served with ice cream.. There is no real cause for parental concern; it is descriptive vocabulary rather than risky behaviour. If your teen uses it, context will usually make the intent clear. A short, curious question about where they heard it is usually all that is needed to know whether to follow up.
For ESL learners
a la mode means: Served with ice cream.. Register: neutral, standard English. A common learner mistake is using the word in a register it does not fit, or assuming a single global meaning; native speakers immediately notice when slang appears in formal contexts, so always check the surrounding register before producing it yourself. A formal-English equivalent (a synonym or descriptive phrase) is usually safer in writing. When in doubt, paraphrase rather than reuse the slang form.
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For specific readers
Why is this section here?
Slang is read by different audiences for very different reasons. The For parents view re-explains the term in plain, non-judgemental language so a caregiver can understand what their child means without needing the surrounding subculture. The For English learners view focuses on register (when it's safe to use), formal alternatives, and common mistakes — what a textbook won't teach you.
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