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Catsup: meaning, definitions and examples

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catsup

 

[ ˈkætsəp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

condiment, sauce

Catsup is a thick sauce made from tomatoes and spices, commonly used as a condiment for various dishes. It is often served with hamburgers, fries, and other fast foods. The term is often interchangeable with ketchup, though some argue there are subtle differences.

Synonyms

condiment, ketchup, tomato sauce.

Examples of usage

  • I love putting catsup on my fries.
  • She added catsup to her sandwich for extra flavor.
  • The restaurant offers both catsup and mustard.
  • He mixed catsup and mayonnaise for a dip.

Etymology

The word 'catsup' has a rich history that traces back to the 17th century. It is believed to derive from the Hokkien Chinese word 'kê-tsiap', which referred to a fermented fish sauce. European sailors encountered this sauce during their travels in Asia and brought it back to Europe. Over time, the recipe evolved, and in the 18th century, tomatoes were introduced into the sauce, leading to what we now recognize as catsup or ketchup. Likely due to regional variations and spelling preferences, both 'catsup' and 'ketchup' have persisted in modern language. In the United States, 'ketchup' has become the most common term, while 'catsup' continues to be used in some areas and by certain manufacturers.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,356 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.