elote
Mexico
The Mexican word is elote. It means a fresh ear of corn, from the Nahuatl elotl. Corn kernels served in a cup are esquites. It is also called mazorca.
Meaning: ear of corn (noun)
Ways to say it
| Mexican | Note |
|---|---|
| elote | Mexico |
| esquites | corn in a cup |
| mazorca | ear of corn |
Street vendors sell elote on a stick with mayonnaise, cheese, chile powder and lime. Ask for un elote con todo to get it with everything.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In other countries the same thing is choclo in the Andes and the Southern Cone, or mazorca for the ear. In Mexico elote is the fresh food and mazorca is the cob.
When do people say it?
Corn is basic in Mexican food, and elote is sold in squares, markets and fairs across the country.
Did you know?
- The word elote comes from Nahuatl elotl, which names the tender ear of corn.
Examples in context
- Quiero un elote con mayonesa y queso.I want an elote with mayonnaise and cheese.
- ¿Me da unos esquites, por favor?Could I have some esquites, please?
- El elote está recién hervido.The corn is freshly boiled.
Example conversation
Ana and her son Santi stop at a vendor in a plaza in Coyoacán.
- SantiMamá, ¿me compras un elote?Mom, will you buy me an elote?
- AnaSí. Señor, un elote con todo, por favor.Yes. Sir, one elote with everything, please.
- VendedorEnseguida, ¿con chile?Right away, with chile?
