Where did the word avocado come from?
WHILE being one of the trendiest foods whether on toast or in guacamole, avocados have a rich and interesting history. From the origin of the word to the history of the superfood, avocados are continually surprising. The avocado was discovered by the Aztecs around 500 BC. They were discovered in Mesoamerica, which is currently Mexico and Central America. When the Aztecs discovered the green fruit, they named it huacatl which directly translates to "testicle." The food's texture, size, and shape most likely led to this unique name. When Spanish conquerors arrived in Mesoamerica, the everyday language of the land changed. The name huacatl evolved into "aguacate," which is the modern day Spanish loanword for avocado. Why do some people think avocado means "testicle sauce?" Avocado fans have speculated that the name may actually translate to "testicle sauce." This belief comes from the Aztec word mlli meaning sauce. However, this theory was debunked by Snopes who spoke with a Mesoamerica specialist. Still, avocado lovers speculate the deeper etymological implications of their favorite food.