Non-cook

A 'non-cook' refers to an individual who possesses limited or no culinary skills and rarely, if ever, engages in the preparation of food. This person may rely heavily on pre-packaged meals, ready-to-eat options, takeout, or dining out for sustenance. Their lack of cooking proficiency can stem from various factors, including a lack of interest, time constraints, insufficient knowledge of cooking techniques, or a perceived inability to produce palatable results. The term often implies a passive relationship with the art and science of food preparation, in contrast to a 'cook' who actively enjoys and participates in this process. It's not necessarily a judgment, but a descriptive term reflecting someone's relationship with the kitchen. The definition focuses on behaviour not on potential, everyone is capable of learning to cook.

Non-cook meaning with examples

• John, a self-proclaimed non-cook, primarily subsists on frozen dinners and microwave meals. He openly admits to being clueless in the kitchen and considers the oven a mysterious appliance. Ordering takeaway is a routine aspect of his life, fueled by his preference for convenience and the desire to avoid any culinary effort. He often jokes about his 'non-cook' status.
• Sarah's busy work schedule and lack of interest in cooking have solidified her status as a non-cook. She often grabs a quick bite at her local supermarket, and mostly uses food delivery apps. Preparing more than a simple sandwich is a rarity for Sarah, and she would rather spend money than dedicate time to complicated recipes, considering cooking a chore.
• Despite living in a shared house, Mark is a definitive non-cook. He leaves the cooking to his roommates and rarely ventures near the kitchen for anything more complex than pouring a bowl of cereal or heating up a ready meal. His preference is to go out to eat, finding it more appealing than the possible pitfalls of his kitchen efforts.
• Emily has always been a non-cook, preferring to dine out or get food delivered. She tried cooking a few times, but felt defeated by complicated recipes and long preparation times. After those failed attempts she mostly sticks to easy options such as pre-made salads and quick snacks that are readily available.
• Alex, a student with limited kitchen skills, is a classic non-cook. His diet mainly revolves around instant noodles and ready-to-eat snacks. While he aspires to learn more cooking skills someday, his current lifestyle prioritizes time efficiency and minimal culinary involvement. He feels confident about using the microwave.