Honestly? Nobody. Unless you’re a food snob, and then you shouldn’t be friends with them anyway. But if you want to sound like you know what’s up, here’s the cheat sheet for your next grocery run:
For the seed: say “ANN-iss.” For the flavor: say “ANN-iss.” For the plant: say “ANN-iss.” See the pattern? It’s the boring, reliable choice. Like khakis. But khakis that taste like Christmas.
If someone corrects you, just smile and say, “Oh, I’m using the American English variant.” Boom. Instant linguistic superiority. They’ll assume you have a PhD in etymology.
Pronunciation of Anise | Definition of Anise - YouTube
But what about the internet? The internet is a wild place.
Search “how do you say anise” on YouTube, and you’ll get five different videos with five different answers. It’s chaos. Purely. One person will say “ANN-iss” with a British accent that makes it sound regal. Another will say “uh-NEESE” like they’re whispering a secret. Block them out. Stick with your gut. Your gut knows cookies.
Here’s a pro tip: if you’re reciting a recipe, just point at the jar. “Add a teaspoon of this.” Gestures are universal. Nobody argues with a pointed finger.
And if you’re writing? Like, in a blog or a cookbook? Use anise and don’t worry. Your readers will forgive you. They’re too busy trying to pronounce “quinoa” anyway. (It’s “KEEN-wah,” by the way, but that’s a whole other coffee chat.)
So, next time you’re at the spice aisle, stand tall. Grab that jar. Say “ANN-iss” with the confidence of a Roman emperor. You earned it. And if you accidentally say “AYE-niece,” just laugh. It’s a seed. It doesn’t have feelings. Probably.
Want the real cheat? Just call it “black licorice spice.” Everyone will know exactly what you mean. And you’ll avoid the whole pronunciation puzzle. You’re welcome.
Now pass the anise cookies. I’m hungry.
