The REAL Definition of Authentic Mexican Food Names

Sure, they've got great names like "torta" and "quesadilla," but I'm sure you aren't aware of their (totally) historically accurate, but hardly ever spoken about definitions? Since many authentic Mexican dishes have Spanish names, its hard for people in the English-speaking world to understand exactly what they mean and what they're ordering at restaurant or street vendor.

Well, I'm here to help! Oh yeah, you know what I'm tacoing about.

Taco

Ain't nobody better poke fun at the almighty taco. No, no! Tacos are the basis of all authentic Mexican cuisine and authenticly perfect puns. Tacos are basically two things:

1. The perfect vehicle for just about any ingredients.
2. Tuesday's best friend.

Also, "taco cat" spelled backward is taco cat. That is all.

Tostada

Accidentally left the tortilla on the stove too long, but we don't want to waste it. Let's put the taco toppings on it anyway. Crunch, crunch!

Burrito

What can we do with ALL of last night's leftovers? I bet we can fit it all in this GIANT flour tortilla.

Torta

Well, crap. This loaf of bread is too small to cut in slices, but it's almost too big for a personal sandwich. Ah, fuck it. Infant-sized sammie, who wants one?

(source)

Enchilada

We want a ton of sauce on these tacos, but that would be pretty messy. How 'bout we roll them all up and drown them in sauce? Genius!

Tamale

Well darn, the tortilla press is broken. What are we going to do with all this masa? Let's throw it in these corn husks with the leftover meat.

(source)

Quesadilla

That fiesta last night, amiright amigo? What's the most greasy, hangover-curing thing we can throw together in under five minutes? Think cheese. Lots of cheese.

Chilaquiles

Aye, no! We left some tortillas on the stove too long again. Let's crush them up a bit and throw a bunch of sauce all over them. Heck, throw an egg on there, too. No one will notice!

Hope you've been sufficiently enlightened about what to expect when you order these common Mexican dishes. As anyone who's ever spent much time in the kitchen can tell you, cooking sometimes comes down to a little bit of luck, and a lotta bit of creativity. And although I don't know any of the origins of these delightful dishes, I imagine this is exactly how it all went down. ;)

What definition would you give your favorite food?

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