ζαμπόν
zampón/zamˈbon/
The Greek word for ham is ζαμπόν (zampón).
The term refers to the thigh and buttock of any animal slaughtered for meat.
Meaning: thigh and buttock of any animal slaughtered for meat (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The romanization is zampón. The IPA is /zamˈbon/.
Did you know?
- While ζαμπόν is the word for meat, the term is also used in Greek slang to describe a person's leg, specifically a thick or sturdy one.
- The term ζαμπόν is an example of a 'gastronomic loanword', where Greece adopted the French term during the 19th century as French culture became the standard for luxury and dining.
- The word ζαμπόν is often used in Greece to describe a specific type of processed deli ham, whereas 'fresh' pork leg is called μπουτί.
Examples in context
- Για σήμερα έχω αγοράσει χοιρινό για το σαντουιτς.I bought some ham for the sandwich today.
- Το ζαμπόν είναι πολύ νόστιμο.To zambón eínai polý nóstimo.The ham is very delicious.
Example conversation
Kostas and Eleni are preparing breakfast in the kitchen.
- Κώστας KostasΕλένη, έχουμε ζαμπόν στο ψυγείο;Eléni, échoume zampón sto psygeío?Eleni, do we have ham in the fridge?
- Ελένη EleniΝαι, Κώστα, υπάρχει στην πάνω θέση.Ne, Kósta, ypárche stin páno thési.Yes, Kostas, there is some on the top shelf.
- Κώστας KostasΘα φτιάξω ένα τοστ με ζαμπόν.Tha ftiáxo éna tost me zampón.I will make a ham toast.
- Ελένη EleniΦτιάξε και ένα για μένα!Ftiáxe kai éna gia ména!Make one for me too!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry ζαμπόν, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
