Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈtʃɪli/

Definitions

• Noun: A small, pungent fruit of the Capsicum plant, commonly used in cooking to add heat and flavor.
• Noun (informal): A variety of spicy food or sauce made with or containing chillis.
• Noun (informal, plural): The seeds of the Capsicum fruit, used for culinary and medicinal purposes.

Usage Examples

• "I like my curry with an extra bit of chilli for heat."
• "She added some chilli to the sauce to make it spicier."
• "Chilli is a popular ingredient in many cuisines around the world."

Etymology

The word "chilli" comes from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs, where "chīlli" referred to hot peppers. It was adopted into Spanish as "chile" before being anglicized to "chilli." The word was popularized during the Spanish colonization of the Americas and has since become a part of global culinary language.

Synonyms

• Pepper
• Hot pepper
• Capsicum
• Spicy pepper
• Chili (American English spelling)

Antonyms

• Sweet pepper
• Mild
• Bland
• Non-spicy

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "chilli" can vary based on regional accents, particularly between British and American English. In British English, "chilli" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, whereas in American English, it can sound more like "chilly," with a longer "i" sound.

Historical Usage

The usage of "chilli" as a culinary term began with the introduction of Capsicum plants to Europe after Christopher Columbus' voyages to the Americas in the 15th century. The pepper quickly became an important spice in many global cuisines, particularly in Central and South American cooking, as well as in Asian and Mediterranean dishes.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, chillis are more than just a food item; they are an integral part of culinary traditions. In Indian cuisine, for example, chillis are a symbol of heat and intensity in both food and symbolism. Similarly, in Mexican cuisine, chillis are used as a base for many dishes, with each region having its own variety of chillis such as jalapeños, habaneros, and serranos.

More Information

The chilli is an essential ingredient in many global cuisines, known for its ability to add heat and depth of flavor to dishes. It has a wide variety of cultivars, ranging from mild to extremely hot varieties. Beyond the kitchen, chillis also have medicinal uses, believed to aid in digestion and to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Their popularity continues to rise with the global trend toward spicy food.