Plural of delicatessen; stores that sell ready-to-eat foods, cold cuts, cheeses, and specialty food items.
From German 'Delikatessen' (delicacies, fine foods), borrowed into English as 'delicatessen'. The German word comes from Latin 'delicatus'. Often shortened to 'deli'.
The 'delicatessens' in New York City became famous for their pastrami sandwiches and kosher salamis—immigrants from Germany and Eastern Europe brought this word and the tradition with them!
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