Why is it called a pizza?

The exact origin of the word "pizza" is uncertain, but there are a few theories:

1. Greek Origins: Some linguists believe that the word "pizza" is derived from the Greek word "pitta," which means "flat bread." Pitta bread was a common food in ancient Greece and Rome, and it is possible that the term was adopted to describe the early forms of pizza.

2. Latin Roots: Another theory suggests that the word "pizza" comes from the Latin word "pinsere," which means "to pound or press." This could refer to the process of flattening the dough before baking it.

3. Lombard Connection: In medieval times, the Lombards, a Germanic people who settled in northern Italy, played a significant role in the development of pizza. The word "pizza" might have originated from the Lombard term "bizzo," which referred to a flatbread.

4. Regional Variations: In Italy, different regions have their own variations of pizza, and some believe that the term "pizza" might have evolved from local dialects. For example, in Naples, the birthplace of modern pizza, the term "pizza" is used to describe a specific type of flatbread topped with tomatoes, cheese, and other ingredients.

5. Influence of Norman French: During the Norman rule of southern Italy in the 11th and 12th centuries, the Norman language had a significant impact on the local vocabulary. It is possible that the term "pizza" may have been influenced by the Norman French word "pizzare," which means "to pinch or pluck," referring to the action of shaping the dough.

It is worth noting that the term "pizza" was not commonly used in its current sense before the 18th century. The word was mostly used in regional contexts, and it was only in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that "pizza" became widely recognized and used internationally, largely due to the popularity of Italian cuisine and culture around the world.