Sirloins

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A specific cut of beef taken from the lower back, often considered tender and flavorful in cooking
2. Cuts of meat from the area between the ribs and hindquarters, typically grilled or roasted
3. Referring to a popular steak choice known for its succulence and versatility in various dishes

Etymology: The most famous story attached to this word is the knighthood legend, which is almost certainly a myth. The tale says that King James I of England, delighted by a loin of beef, drew his sword and dubbed it "Sir Loin." The real history is much plainer. The word comes from Old French "surlonge," formed from "sur la longe," meaning "above the loin," which describes where the cut sits on the animal's body: directly above the loin, the back-section muscle that gives us the name for the cut of meat nearest the spine. Over time, English speakers and French speakers drew the boundary of the cut differently. In American usage, the sirloin is the section of the cow above the loin, while in British usage it is the section above the flank, so the same name covers slightly different parts of the animal depending on where you are.