Cook or chef

[Ju]

I googled the differences between a cook and a chef as follows.

"Technically speaking, a chef is someone who necessarily obtains a professional degree and prepares food in a professional setting. A cook, on the other hand, may not be professionally trained and may or may not be working in a professional setting."

If I am not sure whether he or she is a chef or cook, to be respectful, could I call or regard him or her as a chef?

Will it be offensive?

Thanks.

 

[Rover_KE]

You would offend a professionally qualified chef by calling them a cook, but not vice versa.