7 Spanish Words with a Surprising Origin

Have you ever wondered where the words we use every day come from? Behind such common terms as “salario,” “zozobra” and “escuela,” lie fascinating stories that connect us to ancient times and cultures. From the historical value of salt, which was once currency, to the turbulent origins of labor and the pre-Columbian traditions that shaped chewing gum, each Spanish word has a past that enriches its meaning today. In this etymological journey, we will explore how terms like “jabón” and “chocolate” have evolved over the centuries, reminding us of the deep history that underlies everyday Spanish language. 

Get ready to discover how what seems commonplace can have such surprising and revealing roots.

Salario (Salary)

The word “salary” comes from the Latin salarium, which literally means “payment with salt”. In ancient times, salt was so valuable that it was called “white gold”, due to its crucial role in food preservation (very important in an age without refrigerators) and its antiseptic properties. Salt was used as a form of payment for workers. This gave rise to the term salarium to describe the compensation received. Although today salt is no longer used as currency, the term “salary” remains, recalling the historical relevance of this mineral. Thus, the concept of salary in Spanish words carries with it a rich cultural heritage.

Zozobra (Anxiety, Unease)

The word “zozobra” has a history as eventful as its meaning. It comes from the Latin sub and supra, which translate as “from below to above.” Imagine the swaying of a ship in the middle of a storm, rising and falling without control. That's how “capsize” used to be used in sailing to describe that feeling of being on the brink of shipwreck. Today, the term has been extended to any kind of restlessness or distress. This evolution reflects how Spanish words can acquire new nuances over time.

Escuela (School)

The word “school” has an origin that is a journey into the past. It comes from the Latin schola, which in turn derives from the Greek scholé. But here's the interesting part: in Ancient Greece, scholé did not mean school, but “leisure” or “free time”. At that time, leisure was time spent learning, reflecting and expanding knowledge. The Romans adopted this term for places of learning, and this is how “school” went from being a time of leisure to a place where we cultivate our minds. This shift illustrates how the origins of the Spanish language can have surprising and profound meanings.

Chicle (Chewing Gum)

Did you know that the word “chicle” has roots as old as Mesoamerican civilizations? It comes from the Nahuatl tzictli, which referred to the resin of the chicozapote tree, which the Maya and Aztecs used for chewing. This resin is the ancestor of modern chewing gum. The word was adopted from contact with Mesoamerican cultures and we now use “chicle” for any chewing gum, and it all started with an ancient resin! Spanish words like “chicle” reveal deep historical connections to the civilizations that created them.

Trabajo (Work)

The word “trabajo” has a surprisingly obscure origin. It comes from the Latin tripalium, which was an instrument of torture made of three stakes (tri-palium). The ancient Romans used it to punish slaves and criminals, so “work” started out meaning “torture.” Although we don't perceive it that way today, this origin reminds us that effort and work have not always been considered something positive. This etymology highlights how origins in the Spanish language can have unexpected connotations.

Jabón (Soap)

The word “jabón” has a history as old as it is surprising. It comes from the Latin sapo, saponis, although its exact origins are somewhat uncertain. It is believed to be related to an ancient Gallic practice of mixing animal fats with ash to create a cleansing substance. The Romans adopted this technique, and the term sapo evolved to become “soap” in Spanish. So, every time you use soap, you are following a cleaning tradition that dates back to ancient times. The use of Spanish words like “jabón” (soap) connects us to ancient practices that have endured throughout time.

Chocolate (Chocolate)

The word “chocolate” has an exotic flavor that can be traced back to the Nahuatl word xocolatl, which means “bitter water”. The Aztecs and Mayas prepared a bitter drink with cocoa beans and water. When the Spaniards arrived in America, they took this drink and transformed it by adding sugar to make it sweeter and adapt it to their tastes. Thus, xocolatl became the chocolate we know today, showing how something bitter can become a sweet universal delight. Chocolate, like many Spanish words, has a fascinating cultural journey behind its evolution.

In conclusion, each word has an interesting story that takes you back to ancient times and distant cultures. Learning Spanish can be much more entertaining when you explore these terms that have changed and evolved over time. So, if you take the plunge and explore the origins of the Spanish language, you will find amazing stories and connections that make each word special. Have fun and be amazed by all that Spanish has to offer!