totopos
/totopos/from spelling rules
In Spanish, tortilla chips are called totopos.
The term refers to thin pieces of corn tortilla that have been fried or baked and are typically served as a snack or an appetizer.
Which one should you use?
While English speakers may use the loanword 'tortilla chips' in many parts of the world, the specific term used in Mexico is totopos.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Mexico, the term totopos is the specific word used for tortilla chips.
How do you pronounce it?
/totopos/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American countries, you might hear the term nachos used for the chips themselves, whereas in Mexico, nachos refers specifically to totopos covered in melted cheese.
- In traditional Mexican cooking, totopos were originally created as a way to preserve leftover tortillas by drying them out in the sun or oven.
- If you order totopos in a restaurant, they are often served as part of a larger tradition of 'botanas', which refers to various small appetizers or snacks meant for sharing.
Examples in context
- Hola, ¿me puedes traer unos nachos con guacamole, por favor?Hello, can you bring me some nachos with guacamole, please?
- Me gustan los totopos con salsa.I like tortilla chips with salsa.
- ¿Compraste totopos para la fiesta?Did you buy tortilla chips for the party?
- Estos totopos están muy crujientes.These tortilla chips are very crunchy.
Example conversation
Lucía and Daniel are preparing a snack in the kitchen.
- LucíaDaniel, ¿hay totopos en la alacena?Daniel, are there any tortilla chips in the pantry?
- DanielNo, pero puedo ir a la tienda.No, but I can go to the store.
- LucíaPerfecto, trae una bolsa grande.Perfect, bring a large bag.
- DanielClaro que sí, Lucía.Of course, Lucía.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
