choy sum

Where does the word "choy sum" come from? It comes from Cantonese coi sam, and was adopted directly into English (late 1900s).

Choy sum’s story begins in Cantonese: coi sam meant “a leafy green vegetable with edible flowering stalks.” Literally 'vegetable heart', naming a leafy green with tender flowering stems. It reached English by late 1900s as choy sum. Borrowed into English through Cantonese-speaking grocers and restaurants. Today, choy sum means a Chinese leafy green vegetable, prized for its tender stems and yellow flowers.

1. Stage 1 · Cantonese · ancient coi sam "a leafy green vegetable with edible flowering stalks", literally 'vegetable heart', naming a leafy green with tender flowering stems.
2. Stage 2 · English · late 1900s choy sum "a Chinese leafy green vegetable with tender flowering stems", borrowed into English through Cantonese-speaking grocers and restaurants.