« Snippets | HomePage | Etymology Geekery! »
09/12/2007
Etymology Geekery!
Okay, so I'm going to be a total geek right now and introduce you to some very funny etymologies. Etymology, for those of you who don't know, or don't remember, refers to the history and roots of words. So, for your viewing pleasure, a very funny etymology!
Avacado -
The word "avocado" comes from the Spanish word aguacate, which derives in turn from the Nahuatl (Aztec) word ahuacatl, meaning "testicle", because of its shape. In some countries of South America such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Peru, and Uruguay, the avocado is known by its Quechua name, palta. In other Spanish-speaking countries it is called aguacate, and in Portuguese it is abacate. The name "avocado pear" is sometimes used in English, as are "alligator pear" and "butter pear". The Nahuatl ahuacatl can be compounded with other words, as in ahuacamolli, meaning "avocado soup or sauce", from which the Mexican Spanish word guacamole derives.
Who the heck knew that avacado came from an Aztec word for testicle?! It may be crude, yes, but I find this very amusing. Very amusing indeed.
And now, I'm in need of some sleep.
Later Days,
Arty
23:26 Posted in Blog | Permalink | Comments (6) | Email this
Comments
Then where did the word "guacamole" come from?
Posted by: autopia500 | 09/12/2007
I knew this small fact. Yay me!
Posted by: Ant | 09/13/2007
I thought every word had it's root in greek?
Posted by: Matt Turner | 09/13/2007
Matt, I believe we have the Normans to thank for creating the English language almost entirely out of French and Latin (and upon occassion, Greek).
Arty, you say "I'm going to be a total geek right now" but when do you ever stop your geekyness? :P
Posted by: dj | 09/16/2007
When I sleep...but even then it's a rare occurence.
Posted by: arty | 09/16/2007
DJ: I was alluding to a film we watched recently 'My Big Fat Greek Wedding'.
Posted by: Matt Turner | 09/16/2007
Post a comment