Scottish people call zucchini courgette. This term is widely used across Scotland, aligning with the broader usage in British English.
The Term 'Courgette' in British English
The word 'courgette' is the standard term for the vegetable known as 'zucchini' in North America. This usage extends across the United Kingdom, including Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The term itself is a loanword from French, where courgette (pronounced [kuʁʒɛt]) is a diminutive of courge, which means 'marrow'.
Global Variations in Naming This Vegetable
While 'zucchini' is prevalent in American and Canadian English, 'courgette' is the preferred name in many other English-speaking regions. Understanding these regional differences can be helpful when discussing food across cultures.
Here's a quick overview of how this versatile vegetable is named in various parts of the world:
| Region | Common Term |
|---|---|
| Scotland | Courgette |
| Rest of the United Kingdom | Courgette |
| Ireland (Hiberno-English) | Courgette |
| Malaysia | Courgette |
| New Zealand | Courgette |
| South Africa | Courgette |
| United States & Canada | Zucchini |
| Netherlands | Courgette |
This consistency highlights how culinary terminology can differ significantly based on regional linguistic influences, with the French-derived 'courgette' holding sway in many Commonwealth nations and beyond.
