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ketchup

The origin and history of ketchup.

Etymology

Likely from a Hokkien Chinese word for fish sauce, passed through Malay into English in the late 1600s; early English "ketchup" referred to various savory sauces long before tomato ketchup became standard in the 19th century.

Origin: Chinese · First attested 1600

Class of 1600

ketchup first entered the language around 1600. Other words from the same year:

See the full Class of 1600 →
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Etymology: FreeDict original editorial.