The word 'mackerel' is originally from French 'maquerel'

'Mackerel' is a word borrowed from French 'maquerel'. The word entered the English language some time around the 14th century.

mackerel [noun] [14th century]

• a scombroid fish ( of the family Scombridae) of the North Atlantic that is green above with dark blue bars and silvery ...
• any of various fishes (as the wahoo and king mackerel) in the same family as the mackerel especially when distinguished...

Meaning: a scombroid fish ( Scomber scombrus of the family Scombridae) of the North Atlantic that is green above with dark blue bars and silvery below and is a commercially important food fish; any of various fishes (as the wahoo and king mackerel) in the same family as the mackerel especially when distinguished from the related bonito or tuna by a comparatively smaller size.

Etymology: Middle English makerel; from Anglo-French.

Topics: Animals:Fish, Food:Seafood.

Origin: From French to English.

note: Multiple possible origins. Thought to have originated in Old French as maquerel which evolved into Modern French maquereau. This Old French word may have come from a few different sources. The word maquerel may have been influenced by the Latin word macula meaning spot or stain referring to the fish's dark blotches. Maquerel also appears to have been used to describe a pimp procurer or broker. This meaning is also seen in the French slang term maquereau which means pimp. Some theories suggest a connection to Germanic languages such as Middle Dutch makelaer (broker) which is related to Old Frisian mek (marriage) and maken (to make).

See 'mackerel' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from French.

See more loan words from 1300s.