Burritos

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of Mexican food consisting of a flour tortilla wrapped around a filling, typically containing beans, meat, rice, and cheese
2. A culinary dish featuring a soft wheat tortilla rolled around a mixture of ingredients, commonly including seasoned meats, vegetables, and sauces
3. A handheld meal made by encasing various fillings such as beans, meats, and sauces in a large tortilla, often served with toppings like salsa or guacamole

Etymology: The term for this popular Mexican food, burrito, derives from Spanish, where it literally means "little donkey." This nickname likely arose because the rolled shape of the food resembled the packs or bedrolls donkeys carried. Donkeys were essential pack animals in rural Mexico, so the image of a compact, portable bundle naturally lent itself to a food that was easy to carry and eat on the go. The culinary burrito as we know it—a flour tortilla wrapped around various fillings like beans, meat, and cheese—has roots in northern Mexico, where wheat tortillas were more common than corn. The exact origin story is debated, but one popular account credits Mexican street vendors in the early 20th century who wrapped up food in tortillas for convenience and portability, much like a donkey’s load. The word first appeared in English texts in the early 20th century, often spelled as "burrito" rather than the plural "burritos." It became widely known in the United States as Mexican cuisine grew in popularity, particularly in the American Southwest. The plural form follows standard Spanish grammar rules, adding an "s" to form "burritos," which entered English usage alongside the singular. This term’s journey from a humble metaphor for a donkey’s load to a global icon of fast-casual dining reflects both cultural exchange and linguistic borrowing. Its adoption into English kept much of the original Spanish sound and spelling, preserving the vivid image behind the name.

Synonyms: wraps, tacos