Etymology Map
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Chorizo

2 stages from Spanish to English.

Today it means a spicy pork sausage

Where does the word "chorizo" come from? It comes from Spanish chorizo, adopted directly into English (1840s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
chorizo
Spanish · 1500s
"sausage"
of uncertain origin; paprika from the Americas gave it its red colour
2
Stage 2 of 2
chorizo
English · 1840s
"spicy sausage"
borrowed with Spanish and Mexican cooking
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Read the full story

Chorizo’s story begins in Spanish: chorizo meant “sausage.” Of uncertain origin; paprika from the Americas gave it its red colour. It reached English by 1840s as chorizo. Borrowed with Spanish and Mexican cooking. Today, chorizo means a spicy pork sausage.