Is it just me or does it seem like the word “vat” is usually used in the context of something unpleasant, gross, cheap, or otherwise negative?
It seems like the word just conjures up images of mass-factory-produced slop - and the fact that a vat is used for containing liquids means that whatever is in question would have to be in a liquid form, and liquids are generally more inherently “gross” than solids are.
I think the thing here is that “vat” is taken to mean “giant tank,” and the idea is that anything in a giant tank must be treated in an industrial, mass-produced, hands-off manner as opposed to being hand-crafted and stored in small bottles or something.
I probably sound crazy, or high (I swear, I’m not,) but in reading the thread about the vat-grown meat I couldn’t help but ponder the fact that “vat” always seems to be used derisively. Am I onto something here?
The word “vat” is used for both edibles and non-edibles, perhaps more often for non-edibles. Contrast that with the word “kettle”, which somehow has all the charm that “vat” lacks. Breweries brew their beer in giant copper vats, but they call them “kettles”. Certain brands of gourmet potato chips advertise themselves as being “kettle cooked”. Has a homey ring to it.
Heh, I just popped in to mention The Vat, I sure didn’t expect someone to beat me too it!
It just so happens that I live a few blocks from The Vat… It’s a fun place to hang out, and they book a lot of local musical talent and other indie type bands. If anyone happens to be in Red Deer on a Sunday night, make sure to check out Open Mike night!