WHERE DID THAT COME FROM?
What does “ketchup” really mean? Discover the odd origins of these words
Published on December 21, 2023
Image: Robert Anasch
Etymology is the study of a word’s origin and meaning. Some words are quite straightforward, like "football," a sport that involves a ball and a foot.
But other words have more obscure origins, like "nightmare," which combines the term "night" with the German word "mare," which is an evil spirit that sits on top of a sleeper’s chest. Pretty grim, right?
Take a look at these words with interesting origins and find out if you already knew any of them!
Avocado
Image: Thought Catalog
The centerpiece of seemingly every modern brunch, "avocado" is a word that exudes exotic flavor. The term itself comes from the ancient Aztec language Nahuatl, where it is referred to as āhuacatl.
As the fruit made its way through history, the name transformed into aguacate. Eventually, as avocados gained popularity in English-speaking regions, the term settled into its current form.
Cappuccino
Image: Taylor Franz
A word so Italian that pronouncing it out loud almost makes it seem like you are talking in the language of Dante, "cappuccino" was named after the Capuchin friars and their distinctive brown robes. The drink's moniker was inspired by the color resemblance between their attire and the frothy, tan espresso concoction.
The cappuccino, as we know it today, emerged in the espresso bars of post-World War II Italy, where it gained popularity for its blend of espresso, steamed milk, and a layer of foam. Evolving from a simple coffee tradition tied to a religious order to a globally cherished beverage, the cappuccino has become a symbol of Italian coffee culture.
Disaster
Image: Elisa Ventur
Keeping in line with the Italian words, "disaster" finds its linguistic roots in disastro, which emerged during the 16th century to describe an unfavorable aspect of a star or celestial event.
Composed of dis-, meaning away or without, and astro, referring to celestial bodies, the term reflected a belief in the influence of cosmic forces on earthly events. Eventually, its meaning shifted to describe any catastrophic event, natural or human-made, leading to significant damage or distress.
Malaria
Image: Wolfgang Hasselmann
Another word with an Italian birth certificate, "malaria," originated in mala aria, which translates to "bad air". This term was coined during the Renaissance, reflecting the earlier belief that the disease, which was characterized by fever and chills, was caused by inhaling poisonous fumes from swamp areas.
Later, scientists discovered the actual culprit: parasites transmitted through infected mosquitoes. Despite its historical roots, the word "malaria" persists in capturing the essence of the disease's connection to unhealthy air.
Quarantine
Image: Erik Mclean
Let us close the suite of Italian words with this term. It came into existence in Venice during the bubonic plague. To prevent the spread of infectious diseases, arriving ships were required to anchor in isolation for 40 days, a period called quarantena in Italian. Derived from quaranta meaning forty, this practice aimed to safeguard public health. Over time, the term was used to describe the isolation of individuals, animals, or goods to prevent disease transmission.
Trivial
Image: Nick Fewing
The word "trivial" comes from the Latin term trivium, which represented the three subjects taught in medieval education: grammar, rhetoric, and logic. These subjects were considered elementary and suitable for beginners.
Over time, the meaning of "trivial" was used to describe things of little significance or importance, reflecting the perception that the trivium subjects were commonplace and known by everybody.
Hazard
Image: Troy Bridges
The term "hazard" comes from the Arabic word al zahr which means dice. In medieval Europe, games involving dice were associated with risk and chance. Eventually, the term evolved to signify any source of danger or peril. Today, "hazard" is used to illustrate a broad spectrum of risks, including dangerous phenomena, situations, and places that might pose a threat.
Clue
Image: Mediamodifier
One of those words whose origin is not given away easily, "clue" comes from the Middle English word clew, which means a ball of thread or yarn, of all things. In Greek mythology, Ariadne provided Theseus with a ball of thread to find his way through the labyrinth and defeat the Minotaur.
Over time, "clew" evolved to reference any kind of hint or key to solving a mystery. Today, when we seek a "clue," we are acknowledging the connection between solving a mystery and following the thread that leads us to the end of the quest.
Ketchup
Image: Dennis Klein
A word so strange to describe something so familiar, "ketchup" has a flavorful history rooted in Southeast Asia. Supposedly, the term came from the Malay word kecap or kicap, referring to a fermented soy sauce.
By the 18th century, "ketchup" in England referred to a sauce made from mushrooms, anchovies, and walnuts. But when tomatoes gained popularity in the 19th century, tomato ketchup emerged.
Whiskey
Image: Thomas Park
Much like cappuccino, "whiskey" is a drink with strong links to its land of origin. The term has deep Celtic roots, coming from the Gaelic language. Derived from uisce beatha, which means "water of life," this spirit emerged in Ireland and Scotland as a distilled beverage, celebrated for both its intoxicating qualities and medicinal virtues.
Over time, uisce beatha evolved into usquebaugh in Scotland and Ireland, and eventually into "whiskey" in English. The term traveled across the Atlantic with Irish and Scottish immigrants, becoming synonymous with the distilled grain spirit enjoyed globally today.
Salary
Image: Jason Tuinstra
Imagine being paid in salt, rather than money. Well, turns out, that was a real thing in ancient Rome, where soldiers were paid in salt, known as salarium argentum.
Salt held great value, vital for preserving food and symbolizing wealth. Over time, the word evolved into salarium, meaning the payment given for services. Today, "salary" is, quite simply, the payment received for work.
