elote
/eˈlote/
Street corn in Spanish is elote.
The term elote refers to the specific way corn is served as street food, typically grilled on the cob and topped with various condiments. If you want to specifically describe the version that is grilled and topped with ingredients like mayonnaise, cheese and chili powder, you can use the phrase elote preparado.
Which one should you use?
In Mexico, elote specifically refers to the corn on the cob served as street food. This differs from the general term mazorca, which is used more broadly to mean a whole ear of corn.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In many South American countries within the Andean Region, such as Peru, Chile and Argentina, people use the word choclo instead of elote to refer to corn on the cob.
How do you pronounce it?
/eˈlote/
Did you know?
- The word elote is borrowed from the Classical Nahuatl word ēlōtl, which specifically meant 'green corn cob' or 'fresh ear of corn'.
- While elote refers to the corn on the cob, the same kernels served in a cup are called esquites. This term comes from the Nahuatl word izquitli meaning 'toasted corn'.
- In many Mexican markets, you can buy elote in two distinct styles: elote served on the cob and esquites, which is the corn cut off the cob and served in a cup.
Examples in context
- ¡Vamos a comprar unos elotes de la calle! Me encanta su sabor único.Let's go buy some street corn! I love its unique flavor.
- Quiero un elote con mucho chile.I want a street corn with lots of chili.
- El elote de este puesto es delicioso.The street corn from this stand is delicious.
- ¿Cuánto cuesta el elote con limón?How much is the street corn with lime?
Example conversation
Sofía and Daniel are walking through a public market.
- SofíaMira, ¡están vendiendo elote!Look, they are selling street corn!
- DanielQué rico, yo quiero uno.How delicious, I want one.
- SofíaYo también, Daniel.Me too, Daniel.
- DanielVamos a comprar dos.Let's buy two.
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.
