loukoum

Where does the word "loukoum" come from? It comes from Arabic rahat al-hulqum / luqma, passing through Ottoman Turkish and French before entering English (1800s).

Loukoum’s story begins in Arabic: rahat al-hulqum / luqma meant “throat-soothing sweet, morsel.” Meant "comfort of the throat" or "morsel". By 1700s, the word had taken hold in Ottoman Turkish as lokum. Shortened from "rahat lokum" into the everyday name for the confection. From there it passed into French as loukoum by 1800s. Popularized in Europe as "Turkish delight". It reached English by 1800s as loukoum. Adopted alongside the more common translated name "Turkish delight". Today, loukoum means turkish delight, a soft, gel-like confection dusted with powdered sugar.

1. Stage 1 · Arabic · medieval rahat al-hulqum / luqma "throat-soothing sweet, morsel", meant "comfort of the throat" or "morsel".
2. Stage 2 · Ottoman Turkish · 1700s lokum "gel-like sugared sweet", shortened from "rahat lokum" into the everyday name for the confection.
3. Stage 3 · French · 1800s loukoum "Turkish delight", popularized in Europe as "Turkish delight".
4. Stage 4 · English · 1800s loukoum "soft sugared confection", adopted alongside the more common translated name "Turkish delight".