elote
/eˈlote/
The Spanish term for Mexican corn is elote.
The term elote is most commonly used when referring to the prepared street snack consisting of corn on the cob coated with mayonnaise, chili powder, lime and cheese.
Which one should you use?
In Mexico, elote specifically refers to corn on the cob, often served as street food with toppings. This differs from mazorca, which is a more general term for a whole ear of corn used in many other Spanish-speaking regions. Additionally, if the corn is served kernels in a cup rather than on a stick, it is called esquites instead of elote.
Is it said differently in some regions?
While mazorca is the more general term for a whole ear of corn used in many other Spanish-speaking regions, elote is the common term for the street food in Mexico.
How do you pronounce it?
/eˈlote/
Did you know?
- The word elote traces its roots back to the Nahuatl word ēlōtl, which was the language spoken by the Aztecs.
- In Mexico, the term elote describes the corn while it is still fresh and green, whereas mazorca often refers to the corn after it has dried.
- The transition from elote to esquites is not just about the container but about the cooking method, as esquites are typically boiled with epazote.
Examples in context
- ¿Cuánto cuesta el elote?How much does the mexican corn cost?
- El elote está muy rico.The mexican corn is very delicious.
Example conversation
María and Alejandro are at a street food market.
- María¿Quieres probar un elote, Alejandro?Do you want to try some mexican corn, Alejandro?
- AlejandroSí, me encanta el elote.Yes, I love mexican corn.
- MaríaVamos a comprar uno ahora.Let's buy one now.
- AlejandroPerfecto, vamos juntos.Perfect, let's go together.
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.
