America’s love of Mexican food has implanted plenty of Spanish words into our everyday lexicon. But when not ordering a quesadilla or tamale at the local taquería, we may still be using Spanish words without even knowing it. (Spanish isn’t the only language that has influenced English. Here are 30 English words you didn’t know came from Arabic.)
The Spanish origins of many words commonly used in the United States can be traced to the 16th century, when Spanish influence in the Americas began. Spanish has actually been spoken in North America for longer than English has. In the centuries following the initial Spanish arrival, many areas in what is now the U.S., including Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama were colonized by Spain.
In addition, several states from California to Oklahoma were part of Mexico until the Mexican-American War. This gave the Spanish language countless opportunities to rub off on American English. Even the names of some of these states – like Colorado (meaning “red-colored”) and Nevada (meaning “snowfall”) – are Spanish.
To compile a list of some common English words that are really Spanish – either spelled exactly the same way, usually with the same meaning, or drawn from a similarly spelled Spanish term – 24/7 Tempo consulted the Oxford English Dictionary and language sites including Babbel, ThoughtCo., and Busuu. We have omitted familiar culinary terms.
Many of these words – including lariat, bronco, and ranch – are derived from the Spanish equestrian tradition that would become U.S. cowboy culture. Others are the names of plants and animals that are common south of our border. (Many Spanish words are based on Latin, the language that Spanish descended from. Here are 30 Latin phrases that everyone should know.)
Alligator
> Spanish origin: El lagarto
> Meaning in Spanish: The lizard
Banana
> Spanish origin: Banana
> Meaning in Spanish: Banana
Bonanza
> Spanish origin: Bonanza
> Meaning in Spanish: Prosperity, bonanza
Breeze
> Spanish origin: Brisa
> Meaning in Spanish: Breeze, air
Bronco
> Spanish origin: Bronco
> Meaning in Spanish: Rough
Cabana
> Spanish origin: Cabaña
> Meaning in Spanish: Cabin
Cafeteria
> Spanish origin: Cafetería
> Meaning in Spanish: Café, coffee shop
Cannibal
> Spanish origin: Caníbal
> Meaning in Spanish: Cannibal
Canyon
> Spanish origin: Cañón
> Meaning in Spanish: Gorge, tube
Cargo
> Spanish origin: Cagar
> Meaning in Spanish: To load
Cockroach
> Spanish origin: Cucaracha
> Meaning in Spanish: Cockroach
Corral
> Spanish origin: Corral
> Meaning in Spanish: Corral, pen, barnyard
Embargo
> Spanish origin: Embargar
> Meaning in Spanish: To seize
Guerrilla
> Spanish origin: Guerrilla
> Meaning in Spanish: Guerrilla, warfare
Jade
> Spanish origin: Piedra de ijada
> Meaning in Spanish: Stone of the flank (jade was thought to cure pains in the side)
Lariat
> Spanish origin: La reata
> Meaning in Spanish: The lariat or rope
Marijuana
> Spanish origin: Marihuana (Mexican Spanish)
> Meaning in Spanish: Marijuana, cannabis
Mosquito
> Spanish origin: Mosquito
> Meaning in Spanish: Little fly or gnat
Mustang
> Spanish origin: Mestengo (archaic Mexican Spanish)
> Meaning in Spanish: Stray, wild
Patio
> Spanish origin: Patio
> Meaning in Spanish: Patio, courtyard
Platinum
> Spanish origin: Platino
> Meaning in Spanish: Little silver
Plaza
> Spanish origin: Plaza
> Meaning in Spanish: Square, plaza
Ranch
> Spanish origin: Rancho
> Meaning in Spanish: Ranch
Renegade
> Spanish origin: Renegado
> Meaning in Spanish: Turncoat, heretic
Savvy
> Spanish origin: Sabe
> Meaning in Spanish: Knows
Stampede
> Spanish origin: Estampida
> Meaning in Spanish: Stampede
Suave
> Spanish origin: Suave
> Meaning in Spanish: Smooth
Tornado
> Spanish origin: Tornado
> Meaning in Spanish: Tornado, twister
Vanilla
> Spanish origin: Vainilla
> Meaning in Spanish: Little pod
Vigilante
> Spanish origin: Vigilante
> Meaning in Spanish: Watchman