What do you think of when you hear the word “chef“? Is it an angry person who yells at their staff or a kind cook that feeds people with love?
Is it a mysterious person in a white hat who prides over their food to the point of selfishness? Or is it just a regular worker doing what they love most?
Well, the chances are that Hollywood created your preconceptions about chefs. So let’s bust some myths about chefs.
Why Are Chefs So Angry?
Some people believe that all chefs are angry and shouting at their staff, but it is more complicated. A chef’s job is physically demanding, so they often suffer from chronic pain and fatigue.
There’s a lot of pressure in the foodservice industry to ensure that the customer experience is positive and memorable. Unfortunately, this often leads to high-stress levels for even the happiest people.
Why Are Chefs So Aggressive?
Some people believe that aggressive and angry chefs turn out this way because of their high standards and desire to succeed.
However, this might not always be the case. The constant pressure from higher management or customers can increase stress levels and lead someone to lash out at others.
Why Are Chefs So Temperamental?
Some people believe that it’s a chef’s job to be temperamental and irritable, but this is often not the case. Instead, many chefs are highly emotional, accepting criticism without taking it personally and working through their problems.
It might be hard to believe, but many chefs are very easygoing and friendly in their daily lives outside of the kitchen. In reality, most people don’t get an insight into who a chef is off the clock.
They only see them when they’re at work. So people often associate high levels of emotional energy with being “temperamental.”
Why Are Chefs So Cocky and Arrogant?
Thinking chefs are cocky and arrogant is another stereotype that can be attributed to bad Hollywood portrayals.
Some people believe that chefs flaunt their skills and try to prove themselves through intimidation and force, but this is false.
Many chefs are very humble and down-to-earth people who work hard for the team without expecting credit or praise.
Some people think that all chefs have massive egos, even when cooking in a small kitchen. This assumption might be valid for some, but not for all.
There are many examples of famous French masters who produced outstanding food while maintaining respect and politeness towards their peers. Auguste Escoffier is one great example.
Why Are Chefs So Egotistical?
According to the dictionary, an “egotist” is a person with an excessive interest in or admiration of themselves and their appearance.
People often attach this label to chefs because they see them as self-obsessed and vain, but this is not true for all chefs.
To be a good chef, you must work hard and put in the effort to make delicious food with high-quality ingredients. You also need to know how to handle yourself in the kitchen. It’s a very sensitive environment, and a bad mouth could turn out very badly indeed.
Why Are Chefs So Rude?
Diners have different tolerances for how rude a chef can be in the foodservice industry before it’s deemed unacceptable. Some would instead not take a chance and avoid going to a restaurant where they might experience bad customer service or food because of a moody chef.
However, keep in mind that being rude is not an inherent part of being a chef. Chefs are very agreeable individuals when you get to know them personally outside of their professional lives.
In addition, some customers seem to mistake intensity and passion for rudeness, which are entirely different characteristics.
Why Are Chefs So Vulgar?
Ah, $#@&, you had to ask that one! This stereotype might get under a chef’s skin because it’s such an unfair and untrue assumption. There are many personalities in this world, and just like you can’t lump all rappers into the same group, you can’t list every chef as vulgar and filthy-mouthed.
Some chefs take pride in their language and use elaborate and elegant words to describe their creations while telling dirty jokes with their best, but others do not.
Some don’t even swear or say anything inappropriate at all! Remember that profanity often results from high stress levels, so cut a stressed-out chef some slack.
Why Are Chefs So Mean?
Nobody likes working with angry people who yell and scream and sometimes even throw china on the ground. This experience is why some chefs get a bad rap for being mean and challenging to work with.
Because of their stressful jobs, chefs can’t always keep their cool when things don’t go according to plan. Yet, not all chefs are like this, and many prefer a calm environment where everyone can work at their own pace without pressure or tension.
So remember that you might not be seeing the whole picture whenever you cross paths with an angry chef.
Why Are Chefs So Crazy?
Like “egotist,” the “crazy” label is also another unfair assumption. It’ll probably get under a chef’s skin that people think they’re nuts when they’re usually saner than most people at their jobs, where things can get pretty crazy.
Remember, good chefs can maintain professionalism while still being passionate about their work. Standing back and observing your surroundings can give you a clue to the mental stability of the staff in action.
FAQ
Why do chefs yell so much?
The kitchen is a noisy and chaotic place, so chefs might need to scream and shout out commands and communicate important details with their staff without taking breaks. This stress can lead to them being accused of not knowing how to speak normally, but they aren’t skilled for nothing!
Many people might think it’s strange that a chef dresses up in fancy clothing before yelling at the top of their lungs, but this is just another stereotype you shouldn’t believe.
Who are the most famous angry chefs?
Gordon Ramsay is probably the most well-known angry chef, but many others have been accused of being short-tempered with their staff or customers.
Some of them include but are not limited to:
1. Gordon Ramsey
2. Marco Pierre White
3. Anthony Bourdain
4. Guy Fieri
Remember that people perceive these chefs to be angry on TV, but that doesn’t mean that they are in their everyday life.
Will becoming a chef make you angry?
This question should be answered with a resounding NO! However, because of the high-stress environment and fast pace, it might be a little too much to take in for some people who aren’t used to working in a kitchen.
Try taking a different job that fits your personality instead if you’re not interested in being part of an angry chef stereotype.
How should I deal with angry chefs?
Asking yourself why chefs are so angry is a good start, but keep in mind that not all chefs are mean or rude to everyone they meet. If you ever find yourself with an angry chef problem, stay calm and respectful even if the person is making it seem like you’re unwelcome.
Of course, they aren’t always right when they act this way, but you can do your best to diffuse the situation without taking their explicit or implicit insults personally.
How do I deal with a problematic chef?
Any difficult person will be a little overwhelming, but remember that they’re still a person and not some kind of monster. Treat them with the same respect you’d want from them if the roles were reversed, and don’t let them intimidate or take advantage of you in any way.
If it gets to the point where you feel uncomfortable and unsafe, tell them firmly but politely that their behavior is unacceptable and you won’t put up with it.
Conclusion
Chefs, like any other group of people, come in all shapes and sizes. They can be calm. They can be angry, thoughtful, rude, funny, and serious. Just as long as they know what they’re doing in the kitchen, everything is fine!
Like people who work in other high-stress professions, chefs are often misunderstood by those outside their industry.
Just remember that if a chef seems angry now, they might not always be this way! You’ll probably make a better impression on him if you remain professional despite whatever issues might have. So don’t be afraid to ask the next chef you see why they’re so angry – it might surprise you!
