Zigeunerschnitzel
/ˌtsiː.ɡɔɪ̯.nɐˈʃnɪt͡səl/noun
A schnitzel served with a paprika- and pepper-based sauce or relish, traditionally called with a term now widely considered offensive.
Did you know?The first element comes from German Zigeuner, a term historically used for Romani people and now often avoided because of its pejorative history, showing how food names can preserve old social prejudices.
Etymological Timeline
Middle High German
MHG
zigeuner
“A term used for Romani people; its exact origin is uncertain, but it entered German through contact with other European languages.”
Early Modern German
German
Zigeuner
“The standard German word for Romani people, later carrying strong pejorative and discriminatory associations.”
19th Century
German
Zigeunerschnitzel
“A schnitzel served with a spicy sauce, named with a term referring to Romani people.”
Modern English
English
zigeunerschnitzel
“A borrowed term for a schnitzel dish, usually recognized as a German-language food name.”