Chowchows

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A breed of dog known for its lion-like mane and distinctive blue-black tongue
2. Typically recognized for their fluffy coat and lush appearance, these dogs exhibit a cool temperament and loyalty
3. This canine breed, originating from China, is characterized by its unique physical traits and strong-willed personality

Etymology: The word "chowchows" is simply the plural of "chowchow," a name for the dog breed with the lion-like mane and blue-black tongue. The noun has a surprisingly humble origin: it comes from Chinese Pidgin English "chow-chow," meaning "food." That pidgin was the trade language used between Chinese and English speakers, especially in ports, and in it "chow-chow" meant food in general. The connection to the dog is not a matter of the animal being eaten. Instead, the name was applied to the breed, likely because the dogs were associated with China, and the pidgin word for food was attached to them. Related forms appear in Macanese, the Portuguese-based creole of Macau, where "chau-cháu" carries the same sense of food. The word is also what English speakers used for a mixed pickled relish, which shows how a trade term for food spread into everyday English.