pozole

Where does the word "pozole" come from? It comes from Nahuatl pozolli, passing through Spanish before entering English (1950s).

Pozole’s story begins in Nahuatl: pozolli meant “a frothy maize stew.” Named a frothy stew of maize kernels, from tlapozonalli 'something frothy'. By 1500s-1600s, the word had taken hold in Spanish as pozole. Nahuatl 'foamy'; prepared for Mexican Independence Day in September. It reached English by 1950s as pozole. Borrowed into English through Mexican cuisine in the American Southwest. Today, pozole means a traditional Mexican stew made with hominy corn, meat, and chili, often served for celebrations.

1. Stage 1 · Nahuatl · pre-1500s pozolli "a frothy maize stew", named a frothy stew of maize kernels, from tlapozonalli 'something frothy'.
2. Stage 2 · Spanish · 1500s-1600s pozole "a hominy-based stew, often served on special occasions", Nahuatl 'foamy'; prepared for Mexican Independence Day in September.
3. Stage 3 · English · 1950s pozole "a traditional Mexican stew made with hominy and meat", borrowed into English through Mexican cuisine in the American Southwest.