Congou
/ˈkɒŋ.ɡuː/noun
A black tea of Chinese origin, especially a grade of Chinese black tea.
Did you know?The word entered English in the 18th century from a Chinese tea-trade term, and its exact Chinese source is uncertain, showing how global commerce can leave behind hazy, half-lost names.
Etymological Timeline
18th Century
English
congou
“A type of Chinese black tea sold in Britain”
18th Century
Portuguese/Trade English
congo
“A tea-trade term recorded by European merchants”
Chinese source uncertain
Chinese
kung-fu / gongfu?
“Uncertain proposed source; not securely established in scholarly etymology”
Modern English
English
congou
“A black tea, especially a Chinese black tea”