JanetteSpeyerWe eat “beef” but not “cow”… while chicken is chicken?
The answer is in this crazy story involving medieval England, the Norman conquest, French-speaking nobility, and the peasants who actually raised the animals. One language ruled the farm. Another ruled the dinner table.
It’s centuries of history hiding in plain sight.
Read the full story here: https://foodculturebites.com/why-is-beef-called-beef/
Why is beef called “Beef” and Chickens “Chicken”?
Why do cows become “beef,” pigs become “pork,” but chicken stays chicken? The answer hides a curious story of conquest, class, medieval England, and the collision of French and English culture that still shapes the words on our dinner tables today. We are connected to history, language, and food more than we realize.