Desert vs. Dessert

By: Karem Maldonado

In this series of Write that Wrong we highlight two words with notable different meanings but similar spelling: Desert and Dessert.

Although they sound alike, dessert and desert have different etymologies. The word “dessert” comes from the French word “desservir,” which means “to clear the table.” In contrast, “desert” derives from the Latin “desertus,” meaning “abandoned” or “desolate.”

Desert has its stress on the first syllable (de·sert), and it is the word used to reference the regional landscape, especially one covered in sand, with little to no precipitation and vegetation. Desert is also used as a term to describe the abandonment of a person, cause or organization. It is often associated with a location being uninhabited and desolate. Some figurative examples of desert are:

• “Her luck deserted her” — meaning luck has abandoned her, she has run out of luck.
• “Even a camel knows the value of water in the desert” — meaning the camel, an animal that can withstand scorching heat in dry land, can only go without a basic necessity for so long.

Dessert, on the other hand, has its stress on the second syllable (des·sert), and it is the sweet course eaten after the main meal. Of course, dessert does not always come after a meal. Some people like the idea of eating dessert first, or even for breakfast! Donuts and pastries are technically desserts people have embraced as breakfast staples. Desserts satisfy your sweet tooth in the shape of cakes, cookies, pies, pudding, ice cream and gelato. Appropriate ways to use the word dessert figuratively would be:

• “Life is short; enjoy the dessert first.” — meaning life is too short, prioritize joy and indulgence. Go for it!
• “Friendship is the sweetest dessert life can offer.” — meaning, friendships are the sweetest part of life, and they are meant to make even the most challenging of times more bearable.

So what is the difference? The spelling can be tricky for some people, and many have found creative mnemonics to help them understand the difference. Some mnemonics I found were:

• Sweet stuff: The two S’s in “dessert” stand for “sweet stuff.”
• Dessert is twice as nice: “Dessert” is twice as nice as a “desert.”

As we become more reliant on technology, new generations may not even have a need for mnemonics. As you type dessert on your keyboard, a creme brulee, an ice cream sundae and an iced cupcake emoji pop up. That’s your cue that you are spelling it right.

How did you learn to differentiate between desert and dessert? Leave a comment below!