baijiu

Where does the word "baijiu" come from? It comes from Chinese báijiǔ, and was adopted directly into English (2010s).

Baijiu’s story begins in Chinese: báijiǔ meant “a strong, clear distilled grain spirit.” Literally 'white liquor', naming a strong clear spirit distilled from grain. It reached English by 2010s as baijiu. Chinese 'white liquor'; brands such as Moutai became state banquet drinks. Today, baijiu means a strong, clear Chinese distilled spirit typically made from sorghum or other grains.

1. Stage 1 · Chinese · medieval báijiǔ "a strong, clear distilled grain spirit", literally 'white liquor', naming a strong clear spirit distilled from grain.
2. Stage 2 · English · 2010s baijiu "a strong Chinese distilled liquor made from sorghum or other grains", Chinese 'white liquor'; brands such as Moutai became state banquet drinks.