Calamari: A Word Borrowed from Italian that Defines a Culinary Delight
Calamari is one of those food-related terms that has been appropriated from a foreign language – in this case, Italian. A “calamaro” is a squid of the type that squirts black ink, i.e., of the species sepioteuthis, which is why it is also referred to as “seppia” and from which the term “sepia” derives. However, the English usage is generic, as it is used as a posh word for any squid dish, including the tougher and cheaper varieties of nototodarus gouldi and teuthoidea species.
The Word's Journey from Italian to English
The term "calamari" has become part of the English language due to the increasing popularity of squid dishes in restaurants in English-speaking countries. It is actually the plural of “calamaro,” meaning “squid” in Italian. It is also the English transcription of the Greek word καλαμρι, also meaning “squid.” People who, like me, first discovered the pleasures of eating squid in Spain rather than in Italy or Greece, are also familiar with the Spanish form of the word: calamares.
Language Evolution in the Culinary World
It’s important to note that words like “calamari” often feel “borrowed” because they appear to stem from another language, but this is just a linguistic phenomenon. People often describe words that have been in English for a long time but which “look foreign” as “borrowed.” However, that’s just a little political given that there are plenty of other words in English that arrived in English from other languages in the 16th century and later that no one calls “borrowed.”
So, “calamari” is an English word borrowed from Italian. The English equivalent of “calamari” is “squid.” We tend to say “squid” when we think of it as a live animal in the sea and “calamari” when we think of it as food. In the same way, we say “cow” versus “beef,” “hog” versus “pork,” and “calf” versus “veal.”
Calamari: A Word Borrowed from Italian that Defines a Culinary Delight is a testament to the rich history of our language and the ever-evolving culinary world. It was actually borrowed from “calamaro” or “calamaio” from the Italian language. So, it’s a fascinating journey from the Italian seas to the English kitchen!
Additional Insights
Understanding the etymology of words like “calamari” not only broadens our knowledge but also enhances our appreciation for the global nature of food and the interconnectedness of languages. Searing golden, crispy rings of calamari are a testament to the rich flavors and textures that can be achieved when a foreign word becomes part of our culinary repertoire.
Whenever you tuck into a dish of calamari, remember the journey it has taken – from the Italian waters to your plate. It’s a small reminder of the diversity and richness that comes with the evolution of language and cuisine.