esquites
/eskites/from spelling rules
The English phrase "corn in a cup" is translated into Spanish as esquites.
The term esquites refers specifically to the prepared street food snack of corn kernels served in a cup with various condiments. It is not used to describe plain or raw corn kernels.
Which one should you use?
While esquites refers to corn kernels served in a cup, the word elotes is used to refer to corn served on the cob, which often features similar toppings.
How do you pronounce it?
/eskites/
Did you know?
- While esquites is the common term today, the word is derived from the Nahuatl word izquitli, meaning 'corn kernel'. This links the modern snack directly to the Aztec language.
- The culture of eating esquites is deeply tied to the tianguis, traditional open-air markets that have existed in Mexico since the pre-Hispanic era.
- Despite the common name, the traditional preparation of esquites often involves simmering the corn with epazote, a pungent herb that has no direct equivalent in English.
Examples in context
- Voy a preparar unos elotitos en vaso para nuestros invitados.I'm going to make some corn in a cup for our guests.
- Quiero comprar unos esquites en el puesto.I want to buy some corn in a cup at the stand.
- Los esquites tienen mucho chile y limón.The corn in a cup has a lot of chili and lime.
- Prueba estos esquites, están riquísimos.Try this corn in a cup, it is delicious.
Example conversation
Elena and Alejandro are walking through a street market.
- ElenaAlejandro, ¿vamos a comer unos esquites?Alejandro, shall we go eat some corn in a cup?
- AlejandroSí, me encantan los esquites de este lugar.Yes, I love the corn in a cup from this place.
- ElenaYo prefiero los esquites con bastante queso.I prefer the corn in a cup with plenty of cheese.
- AlejandroA mí también me gusta mucho el queso.I also like cheese a lot.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry esquites, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
