Why Is Cow Meat Called Beef, Pig Meat Called Pork, but Chicken is Just Called Chicken?

The terms we use for different meats often stem from a rich tapestry of historical, linguistic, and cultural influences. This article explores the reasons behind why beef and pork carry distinct names from their source animals, while chickens are simply called chickens.

Historical Context

The differentiation in terms for meat largely traces back to the Norman Conquest of England in 1066. The Norman invaders, who spoke Old French, brought with them new words and linguistic influences that profoundly impacted the English language.

The Norman Conquest and Its Impact

The Norman Conquest shifted the linguistic landscape of England, predominantly affecting the upper classes and ruling elite who spoke Old French. Meanwhile, the Anglo-Saxon peasants, who were largely in charge of raising cattle and pigs, continued to use Old English terms. This linguistic divide is reflected in the naming conventions for meat.

Linguistic Influence

In the case of beef and pork, these terms reflect a clear class distinction in medieval society. The ruling French-speaking classes preferred their meat to be named using French terms, while the Old English terms for the animals were retained for the meat. This linguistic divide persisted, and we continue to use these terms today.

For chicken, there was less of a class distinction. The same term was used both for the living bird and its meat, simplifying the naming convention.

Understanding Poultry

The term poultry is often used in American English to refer to farm animals raised for meat or eggs. However, its use can vary depending on the context and region. In restaurants and stores, poultry specifically refers to domestic birds used for meat, such as chickens, turkeys, and ducks. However, in formal zoological terms, fowl is a broader term that includes all birds, wild and domesticated, and is often used interchangeably with poultry in everyday speech.

In everyday contexts, poultry is the plural term that encompasses various domestic birds, including chickens, turkeys, and ducks. For example, at poultry farms and poultry markets, the term is commonly used. In zoological contexts, fowl encompasses all types of birds, including wild game like pheasant, quail, and duck.

Meat Products and Their Naming

The naming of meat products can also be challenging, as the names often change dramatically from the living animal to the prepared meat. For instance:

Cow (living animal) vs. beef (meat derived from cow) Pig (living animal) vs. pork (meat derived from pig) Sheep (living animal) vs. lamb, mutton, and haggis (meat derived from sheep at different stages) Deer vs. venison (meat from deer)

Similarly, chicken (living animal) is called chicken (meat produced from chicken).

Conclusion

The English language has a unique way of naming meat products, reflecting its rich history and the influence of various cultural and linguistic influences. Understanding these naming conventions can help in better grasping the linguistic and historical aspects of the meat we consume daily.