Montezuma

/ˌmɒntəˈzuːmə/ noun

Definition

A historical name, most famous for Montezuma II, the last Aztec emperor; also used in phrases like 'Montezuma's revenge' (traveler's diarrhea).

Etymology

From Nahuatl 'Motecuhzoma' meaning 'he frowns like a lord.' The Spanish conquistadors Latinized the name to Montezuma when they encountered the Aztec empire in the 1500s.

Kelly Says

Montezuma's name has become slang for traveler's diarrhea because of the historical association with Mexico and the (unfair) stereotype that Mexican water causes illness—language sometimes preserves old prejudices!

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