Taco
/ˈtɑːkoʊ/noun
A Mexican dish consisting of a folded or rolled tortilla filled with meat, beans, cheese, vegetables, or other ingredients.
Did you know?English got taco from Mexican Spanish, and while the exact origin is debated, the word became globally iconic only after a humble regional food name crossed into worldwide pop culture.
Etymological Timeline
16th Century
Spanish
taco
“A plug, wad, or stub; also a short, thick piece or a small bundle in various regional uses.”
19th Century
Mexican Spanish
taco
“A Mexican food item, especially a tortilla folded around a filling.”
Early 20th Century
English
taco
“A Mexican-style folded tortilla filled with food.”
Modern English
English
taco
“A widely eaten dish of a folded or rolled tortilla with a filling.”
Explore more surprising origins