ceviche (English)
Where does "ceviche" come from?
The word 'ceviche' entered English as a borrowing from Spanish, though its ultimate origins remain a subject of historical debate. Some theories link it to the Latin word 'cibus' (food), while others suggest it traces back to the Persian 'sikbaj', a vinegar-based meat dish, or even the Quechua word 'siwichi'. This fascinating culinary term reflects a rich cross-cultural history of marinating and preserving ingredients across different regions.
Full etymology tree
- ceviche (English), 'Raw seafood cured by marination in an acidic medium such as citrus, vinegar, or other souring agent, found primarily in Latin America.'
- borrowed cebiche (Spanish), 'ceviche (raw seafood cured by marination in an acidic medium such as citrus, vinegar, or other souring agent, found primarily in Latin America)'
- borrowed siwichi (Quechua)
- learned borrowing sikbāj (Arabic)
- inherited sikbāg (Middle Persian)
- compound cebo (Spanish), 'bait'
- inherited cibus (Latin), 'food, fodder'
- borrowed cebiche (Spanish), 'ceviche (raw seafood cured by marination in an acidic medium such as citrus, vinegar, or other souring agent, found primarily in Latin America)'
Direct ancestors
Updated June 2026
Etymology data from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · About Miraris