What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prawn
Example
I ordered the prawn cocktail for an appetizer. [prawn: noun]
Example
She sautéed the prawns with garlic and butter. [prawns: plural noun]
scampi
Example
I ordered the shrimp scampi for my entrée. [scampi: noun]
Example
He made scampi-style shrimp with a lemon-butter sauce. [scampi-style: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prawn is more commonly used than scampi in everyday language, especially in British English. Scampi is more commonly used in the context of a specific dish or preparation style, such as shrimp scampi.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prawn and scampi?
Both prawn and scampi are relatively informal terms that are commonly used in casual conversation and in the context of food and cooking. However, prawn may be slightly more formal due to its versatility and wider range of usage.
