Etymology Map
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Halal

2 stages from Arabic to English.

Today it means food prepared according to Islamic law

Where does the word "halal" come from? It comes from Arabic ḥalāl, adopted directly into English (1850s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
ḥalāl
Arabic · medieval
"permitted"
permitted, lawful
2
Stage 2 of 2
halal
English · 1850s
"permitted (food)"
halal butchers spread in British cities from the 1960s
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Read the full story

Halal’s story begins in Arabic: ḥalāl meant “permitted.” Permitted, lawful. It reached English by 1850s as halal. Halal butchers spread in British cities from the 1960s. Today, halal means food prepared according to Islamic law.