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Moo shu

2 stages from Chinese to English.

Today it means a Chinese-American dish of shredded pork, egg, and vegetables, typically rolled in a thin pancake

Where does the word "moo shu" come from? It comes from Chinese mù xū ròu, adopted directly into English (mid-1900s).

mù xū ròu→moo shu

Chinese · 19th century

"a stir-fried dish of shredded pork, egg, and vegetables"

literally 'wood shavings pork', describing scrambled egg bits that resemble small wood chips

English · mid-1900s

"a Chinese-American stir-fried dish served in thin pancakes"

adapted into Chinese-American restaurant menus, often served wrapped in thin pancakes

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