The phrase "AU natural" is a common misspelling of the French term "au naturel," which generally means in a natural or unmodified state, without artificial additions or enhancements.
"Au naturel" carries two primary meanings, derived from its French origin and common usage:
Understanding "Au Naturel" (The Correct Spelling)
While "AU natural" is frequently seen, the correct spelling is "au naturel." This phrase is derived from French, where "au" means "in the" or "to the," and "naturel" means "natural."
Primary Meanings
- Naked or Nude: This is one of the most common interpretations, referring to a person being without clothing.
- Example: The artist preferred to paint models au naturel.
- Uncooked or Plainly Cooked: Especially in culinary contexts, "au naturel" signifies food that is prepared simply, without elaborate sauces, seasonings, or processing. It emphasizes the ingredient's inherent flavor and state.
- Example: The fresh oysters were served au naturel, with just a wedge of lemon.
Beyond these core definitions, the phrase has evolved to encompass broader ideas of simplicity, authenticity, and lack of artificiality in various aspects of life.
"Au Naturel" in Different Contexts
The versatile phrase "au naturel" can be applied across numerous situations, always retaining its core meaning of being in a natural or unprocessed state.
| Context | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Appearance | Without makeup, hair dye, or cosmetic enhancements; truly natural look. | She felt confident presenting herself au naturel for the photoshoot. |
| Food & Cooking | Prepared simply, without sauces, spices, or extensive processing; raw or plainly cooked. | For a healthy meal, try fish au naturel, baked with just a touch of olive oil. |
| Art & Design | Featuring subjects in their untouched state; using raw materials or simple forms. | The sculptor left the wood au naturel, appreciating its grain and texture. |
| Lifestyle & Health | Embracing a simple, unadulterated approach to living; avoiding artificial products or complex routines. | Many people are now opting for an au naturel approach to skincare, using minimal ingredients. |
| Nature & Environment | Undisturbed, untouched by human intervention. | The park aims to preserve the wetlands au naturel for future generations. |
Why "Au Naturel" and Not "AU Natural"?
The correct spelling "au naturel" is a direct borrowing from French. In French grammar, "au" is a contraction of "à le" (to the / at the) and is followed by a masculine singular noun. "Naturel" is the masculine form of the adjective "natural." The 'e' at the end of 'naturel' indicates it's an adjective agreeing with a masculine noun, even if often used adverbially in English. When adopted into English, the French spelling and structure were retained, making "au naturel" the grammatically correct and recognized form. "AU natural" is a phonetic approximation or a direct translation attempt that loses the original French grammatical structure.
