jalapeno
UK: ˌhæləˈpeɪnjəʊ | US: ˌhɑːləˈpeɪnjoʊ
n. a medium-sized chili pepper with a hot taste, typically green when unripe and red when ripe, used especially in Mexican cuisine.
jalapeno = Jalapa<city in Mexico> + eño<Spanish suffix indicating origin>
- Jalapa: Refers to Xalapa (or Jalapa), the capital city of Veracruz, Mexico, where the pepper was traditionally cultivated.
- eño: A Spanish suffix denoting origin or association (e.g., "riojano" from La Rioja).
Etymology Origin:
The word "jalapeño" directly ties the pepper to its geographic roots in Xalapa, Mexico. The suffix "-eño" is a common Spanish linguistic pattern for indicating provenance (similar to "champagne" from Champagne, France). The pepper’s name thus literally means "from Jalapa," reflecting its cultural and agricultural significance in Mexican cuisine.
The jalapeño adds a spicy kick to the salsa.
She chopped fresh jalapeños for the nachos.
Pickled jalapeños are a popular taco topping.
The recipe calls for two diced jalapeños.
Be careful—jalapeños can be very hot!