elote
/eˈlote/
The English phrase "corn on the cob" is translated into Spanish as elote.
elote refers to a corn on the cob. In specific contexts, such as Mexican street food culture, it often refers to the specific dish of corn on the cob served with toppings like mayonnaise, chili powder, lime and cheese.
Which one should you use?
While elote is the term used in Mexico and parts of Central America, mazorca is the more common term for a corn cob in Spain and other parts of Latin America. Additionally, you may see the informal diminutive elotito used to refer to a small corn or as a term of endearment.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Venezuela, the term jojoto is commonly used for corn on the cob. In several South American countries, including Argentina, Chile, Ecuador and Peru, the term choclo is preferred.
How do you pronounce it?
/eˈlote/
When do people say it?
In Mexico, when someone mentions an elote, they are often referring to the popular street food version prepared with various condiments.
Did you know?
- The word elote is not originally Spanish but is borrowed from Classical Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs.
- When served in a cup without the cob, the dish is no longer called elote but becomes esquite.
- The word elote is sometimes used colloquially in certain regions to describe someone who is perceived as a rustic or simple country person.
Examples in context
- Me encanta el elote asado en las reuniones familiares.I love grilled elote at family gatherings.
- El elote es un alimento muy versátil.Corn on the cob is a very versatile food.
- Quiero un elote con mucho chile.I want an elote with a lot of chili.
- El elote está muy caliente.The elote is very hot.
- Venden un elote muy rico aquí.They sell a very delicious elote here.
Example conversation
Daniel and Elena are walking through a street food market.
- Daniel¿Quieres comprar un elote, Elena?Do you want to buy an elote, Elena?
- ElenaSí, me encanta el elote de este puesto.Yes, I love the elote from this stall.
- DanielYo también quiero uno.I want one too.
- ElenaVamos a la fila.Let's go to the line.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry elote, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries elote, CC BY-SA 4.0.
