Catchups

/ˈkætʃʌps/ noun

Definition

Plural of catchup; multiple bottles or servings of the tomato-based condiment, or instances of catching up with someone or something you're behind on.

Etymology

From the Chinese word 'ke-tsiap' (fish sauce), which Portuguese traders brought to Europe. The English spelling 'catchup' became common in the 17th century, competing with 'ketchup' and 'catsup.'

Kelly Says

The word ketchup/catchup traveled from China to England via Portuguese traders, then to America, and now we have three competing spellings—'ketchup' (Heinz), 'catsup' (older), and 'catchup' (informal). Languages love borrowing words and then fighting about how to spell them.

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