chipotle
/t͡ʃiˈpotle/
The English phrase "chiple" refers to the Spanish word chipotle, which is a smoked jalapeño chili pepper.
The term refers specifically to a smoked jalapeño pepper. Note that in certain contexts, the word placa might be used in some countries to refer to a microchip or circuit board, which is a different concept entirely.
How do you pronounce it?
/tʃiˈpotle/
Did you know?
- The word chipotle is actually a compound of two words from the Classical Nahuatl language, meaning 'smoked pepper'.
- In many Mexican markets, you will find chipotles en escabeche, which are peppers preserved in a spicy vinegar brine. This preparation creates a completely different flavor profile than the dry, smoked version found in many American grocery stores.
- The smoking process used to create a chipotle is not just for flavor but is a traditional method of preservation that allows the pepper to be stored for long periods without refrigeration.
Examples in context
- Añade un poco de chipotle a la salsa.Add a little chipotle to the sauce.
- Compré un frasco de chipotle en el mercado.I bought a jar of chipotle at the market.
Example conversation
Alejandro and María are cooking dinner together.
- AlejandroMaría, ¿tenemos chipotle en la cocina?María, do we have chipotle in the kitchen?
- MaríaSí, Alejandro, está en la despensa.Yes, Alejandro, it is in the pantry.
- AlejandroPerfecto, quiero hacer una mayonesa de chipotle.Perfect, I want to make a chipotle mayonnaise.
- MaríaMe parece una idea excelente.I think that is an excellent idea.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry chipotle, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries chipotle, CC BY-SA 4.0.
