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Word for disposable cutlery etc preferably without using "disposable"

English Language & Usage Asked by GoodDeeds on December 26, 2020

Is there one word (or phrase) to describe all forms of disposable cutlery etc, such as paper cups, paper napkins, paper/plastic spoons and forks, plates, etc. ?

I thought of disposable cutlery itself, and apart from that the common synonyms such as tableware, but is there one word that describes this specifically, preferably without using the word disposable at all?

Edit:

I appreciate the answers I have got till now, but many of the solutions are of the form disposable < synonym of cutlery >. While that is fine, if possible, I would prefer to have a word or phrase not containing the word disposable. The idea is to remove the negative connotation that might arise with the word disposable. Thank you.

10 Answers

Single-use tableware is an option. It's something you might find at a catered event or anyplace that washing-up facilities aren't available, such as a street fair. It doesn't imply cheap - some of the stuff is quite good. You can also call it recyclable tableware if you are trying to be PC.

Single-use — ODO

adjective Designed to be used once and then disposed of or destroyed
"billions of single-use cups are thrown into landfill sites every year"

Usage examples:

Correct answer by Phil Sweet on December 26, 2020

I think OP's edited question makes my answer appear odd. So, check out a better answer by Phil Sweet.

DisposablesODO

noun An article designed to be thrown away after use
"don’t buy disposables, such as cups and plates"

The specific meaning will be understood from context.

PlasticwareDictionary

noun 1. Knives, forks, spoons, cups, etc., made of plastic
"a picnic hamper with plasticware for six."

and similarly, paperware, etc.

I don't know of a simpler term than Disposable cutleryTFD

utensils, as knives, forks, and spoons, used for serving and eating food.

or disposable tablewareM-W

dishes, glasses, knives, forks, etc., that are used for serving and eating food at a table

Answered by NVZ on December 26, 2020

Not one word, but how about disposable dinnerware and flatware or disposable dinnerware and cutlery?

From Merriam-Webster:

dinnerware: tableware other than flatware

flatware, cutlery: forks, spoons, and knives used for serving and eating food

Note: There doesn't appear to be a single word that covers both dinnerware and flatware, not to mention a single word that also includes the concept of disposability. Hence, it's not obvious one can do better than three words without inventing new words.

Note: I was wrong about there not being a single word that covers both dinnerware and flatware: tableware does the job. See @NVZ's answer: disposable tableware.

Answered by Richard Kayser on December 26, 2020

Party plates is a synonym for paper/plastic/disposable/unbreakable plates - you could therefore go for party tableware but that's a bit of a mouthfull so you could say party plates 'n' stuff.

Are you ready for the picnic? Who's bringing the party plates n stuff?

Answered by Mr_Thyroid on December 26, 2020

"Paper service" seems like it might have the right meaning, so I thought I'd mention it.

I'm not sure it's the best choice–actually, I learned of this word recently in chat when someone else asked what it meant, and I had to do some Googling to find out, so it might not be widely understood. However, it does avoid the term "disposable" so that may be why some catering services use the term: it could be considered a marketing euphemism, like "bath tissue" for "toilet paper."

Here are some examples of it being used:

Since the Student Union does not have paper service, you have the availability to take food out of the Student Union in the following: - Eco Clamshells will be available to take out food - Bring your own cup: up to 32 oz [...] (Meal Plans – Cincinnati Christian University)

A catering business contrasts it with "china service":

Flatware Options

Standard Paper Service – included in base menu price

  • 10″ Chinet paper plate, black plastic utensils, paper napkins, paper coffee cups (Silver plastic utensils – add $0.25/person)

Disposable Imitation China – $3.50/person

  • 10” disposable plastic plate, disposable plastic coffee cup, silver plastic utensils, cloth-like paper napkins

Full China Service – $6.00/person (max. 150 people)

  • 10″ China plate, stainless silverware, China coffee cup and saucer, linen napkins

(MJ’s Market & Catering Terms & Conditions)

Another catering example:

Continental and Hot Breakfast Buffets include a draped buffet table and paper service. (Catering Manual - Eastern New Mexico University Roswell)

Answered by herisson on December 26, 2020

How about just plain old "Picnicware" It implies the nature of the stuff your talking about pretty clearly to most people, without reminding them about what happens to it afterwards "whether an actual picnic or not". A psychological parry is clearly what your after here. Its close to the mark for what your trying to describe.

Answered by Paul on December 26, 2020

"Disposable" "Throw-away" source: http://skoozeme.com/issues/dontbus.html

[edit] "single use" The term is used in Seattle's "compostables" law and California's proposed "no forced straws" law. I guess anything's "disposable" with a large enough landfill!

"Party" does not describe this because (unless one has no access to durable tableware or is just being cheap) the "partyware" would be durable tableware.

Answered by unitacx on December 26, 2020

So there are a couple options for a phrase to describe disposable cutlery, without the word disposable.

One options is to call it a cutlery kit, this of course usually has multiple utensils, such as a fork, knife, spoon, napkin, and sometimes salt & pepper.

A second option is to call it plastic cutlery.

Here's a reference that refers to both of those options: https://www.restaurantsupplydrop.com/collections/utensils

Answered by Thomas on December 26, 2020

I believe the word you are looking for is "Consumables".

Answered by Kenevil on December 26, 2020

It could depend on use too. This doesn't apply so much in the consumer sector, but for businesses, it would often be referred to as take-out supplies or to-go supplies and that's what it's often advertised as on websites that sell these supplies. You can see that on a few websites:

Branded take-out supplies exponentially elevate your brand and the investment in branded plastic cups will more than pay for itself. https://budgetbranders.com/products/custom-plastic-cups/

Declutter plastic silverware and other take out supplies. https://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/declutter-plastic-cutlery-take-out-supplies.html

Answered by David on December 26, 2020

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