How did Ketchup get its name?

There are several theories about how ketchup got its name. One theory is that it originates from the Chinese word "ke-tsiap," which means "fish sauce." Another theory is that it comes from the Malay word "kechap," which refers to a type of sauce made from fermented fish or shrimp. Yet another theory is that the name "ketchup" is derived from the Hokkien word "kôe-chiap," which means "tomato sauce."

The most likely explanation is that the word "ketchup" is a corruption of the Chinese word "ke-tsiap," which was first introduced to the West by British sailors in the 17th century. The British then began to produce their own version of ketchup, which was made with tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices. This version of ketchup quickly became popular in the United States, and it is now one of the most popular condiments in the world.