Food is a popular subject with many people around the world . It is fun to talk about our favorite dishes . It is even more fun to share a favorite dish with others . Today we talk about the word “dish .” A dish can be the object on which you serve food . Do you have a signature dish ? Our signature is how we sign our names . So , a signature dish is a dish we are known for making well . In a way , it identifies us . My signature dish is sweet potato rosemary dinner rolls . I am often asked to make them , especially for holiday parties . In my circle of friends , I am known for this dish . When the rolls are on the table , people know that I made them . A tasty dish is something that makes a table look good and inviting . Sometimes the same can be said about a person . Someone who is good-looking can be called a dish . While this usage might be a bit dated , it is still used . Now , let's talk about the verb “dish .” “To dish ” can mean to talk about private or personal information . It might be gossip . But I can also dish about myself . For example , a friend may ask me to dish about my new job . I could also use a phrasal verb form and say my friend want me to dish out all the interesting details . Now , to dish up something means to put food on a dish for someone to eat . However , it can also mean sharing personal details , our own and others . We can also dish out things , like jokes or even insults . Some people like to tease or insult . They can dish out jokes and insults all day long . But sometimes these same people do not like it if you do the same to them . We have a saying for just such people . We say , “They can dish it out , but they can't take it .” They are able and willing to share harsh thoughts , criticisms , or insults about others , but they do not think they , themselves , deserve such treatment .