Etymology Map
Back to all words

Bistro

2 stages from French to English.

Today it means a small, inexpensive restaurant

Where does the word "bistro" come from? It comes from French bistro, adopted directly into English (1920s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
bistro
French · 1880s
"small café"
of uncertain origin; the story that it comes from Russian 'bystro', quickly, shouted by Cossacks in Paris in 1814, is a myth
2
Stage 2 of 2
bistro
English · 1920s
"small restaurant"
spread with French-style cafés abroad
Drag to pan · scroll to zoom
Read the full story

Bistro’s story begins in French: bistro meant “small café.” Of uncertain origin; the story that it comes from Russian 'bystro', quickly, shouted by Cossacks in Paris in 1814, is a myth. It reached English by 1920s as bistro. Spread with French-style cafés abroad. Today, bistro means a small, inexpensive restaurant.