What does 'curry' mean?

Currently, there are two viewpoints regarding the origin of the word curry. Firstly, curry derives from the Hindi name kadahi or karahi (कड़ाही), a type of deep, round pan in Pakistan and India, commonly used for frying meat, potatoes, sweet dishes, or light meals like samosas and some stews. Secondly, curry is a translation of the English word "curry," which itself originates from the Tamil word kari (கறி), a Dravidian language prevalent in the state of Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry in India.

In our opinion, curry does not originate from the Hindi word karahi (कड़ाही), as the term curry usually refers to dishes containing curry powder (a spice mixture) and not to the type of pan used to cook the food. Furthermore, in Vietnamese, the term curry does not come from the English word curry, but from the French word curry or cari. For example, since the late 19th century, the word curry has appeared on page 135 of the book Manuel de conversation Franco - Tonkinois (A Guide to Conversation in Franco-Tonkinois) by the two missionaries Bon (Cố Bản) and Dronet (Cố Ân), published by Imprimerie de la Mission in 1889.

However, it should be acknowledged that the French word "curry" or "cari" is borrowed from English, while "curry" in English refers to a "sauce" or "seasoning for rice," made from the leaves of the curry plant (Bergera koenigii; synonym: Murraya koenigii). The term was coined by the British in the mid-17th century, originating from members of the East India Company during their trade with the Tamils ​​in India.

Many sources suggest that the English word "curry" originates from the Tamil word "kari" (கறி). "Kari" (கறி) is a word with multiple meanings; it could mean "a spiced mixture with fish, meat, or vegetables, eaten with rice"; or "pepper" in the Tamil Buddhist scriptures (சங்கநூல்களி). As a verb, "kari" (கறி) has three meanings: a. To chew, to eat by biting; b. Raw or boiled vegetables; c. Boiled or raw meat.

In Tamil, the name curry leaves is kari-vempu (கறிவேம்பு), also known as kariveppilai (கறிவேப்பிலை) and karu-veppilai (கருவேப்பிலை); The tree's name is Murraya koenigii (முறயா கொயிங்கீ).

In India, there are many dishes called curry, usually divided into two types: vegetarian (made from vegetables, plants, vines, etc.) and non-vegetarian (made from meat or fish). In Tamil, the names of curries vary depending on the cooking method, such as vatakkal (வதக்கல்) when cooked in oil; poriyal (பொறியல்) when cooked with boiled lentils; puḷikkari (புளிக்கறி) when cooked with tamarind; uzili (உசிலி) when made from equal amounts of ground lentils and nuts; and maciyal (மசியல்) when boiled lentils are mixed with tamarind…

There are many types of curry (dry or soup) around the world , with a wide variety of ingredients and spices. In Vietnam, curry is usually made with coconut milk, various potatoes, vegetables, and meat, and is often eaten with bread, vermicelli, or rice.

Today, the English term "curry" is popular worldwide. The Japanese borrowed it and call it karē (カレー), the Koreans call it keoli (커리), and the Chinese call it gālí (咖哩)... This term was introduced back into South Asian countries and is understood similarly to the English. However, in India, the term kari (கறி) now refers to many different side dishes, such as gravy, pretzels, dal (especially lentils), spinach, fish curry, and is often eaten with rice.

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