ponzu

Where does the word "ponzu" come from? It comes from Dutch pons, passing through Japanese before entering English (late 1900s).

Ponzu’s story begins in Dutch: pons meant “a mixed citrus drink.” Dutch traders' word for a citrus punch drink, encountered through contact in the East Indies. By 1800s, the word had taken hold in Japanese as ponzu. Reborrowed and blended with native 'su' (vinegar) to name a tart citrus sauce. It reached English by late 1900s as ponzu. From Dutch 'pons', punch, from traders at Dejima in Nagasaki. Today, ponzu means a tart Japanese sauce made from citrus juice, vinegar, and soy sauce.

1. Stage 1 · Dutch · 1600s pons "a mixed citrus drink", Dutch traders' word for a citrus punch drink, encountered through contact in the East Indies.
2. Stage 2 · Japanese · 1800s ponzu "a citrus-based seasoned vinegar sauce", reborrowed and blended with native 'su' (vinegar) to name a tart citrus sauce.
3. Stage 3 · English · late 1900s ponzu "a tart citrus and soy dipping sauce", from Dutch 'pons', punch, from traders at Dejima in Nagasaki.