flambe

Where does the word "flambe" come from? It comes from Latin flambare, passing through French before entering English (1880s).

Flambe’s story begins in Latin: flambare meant “to blaze, to flame.” To blaze, to flame, from flamma (flame). By 1800s, the word had taken hold in French as flambe. Settled in French for a dish set alight with spirits before serving. It reached English by 1880s as flambe. French 'flamed'; crêpes Suzette are the famous example. Today, flambe means a dish prepared by dousing with spirits and igniting before serving.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient flambare "to blaze, to flame", to blaze, to flame, from flamma (flame).
2. Stage 2 · French · 1800s flambe "a dish set alight with spirits", settled in French for a dish set alight with spirits before serving.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1880s flambe "a dish flamed with spirits before serving", French 'flamed'; crêpes Suzette are the famous example.