Canapes

/ˈkænəpeɪz/ noun

Definition

Small pieces of bread or crackers topped with cheese, meat, fish, or other savory foods, usually served as appetizers at parties.

Etymology

From French canapé, originally meaning 'sofa' (from Latin canapæ, plural of canapæ). The food sense emerged because the toppings sit on bread like people sit on a sofa.

Kelly Says

The word perfectly shows how French culinary terms shaped English food vocabulary—and it's a funny connection: fancy appetizers are literally named after furniture because of how they look!

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