Parole in viaggio: baccalà

Abstract

This article reconstructs the history of the term “baccalà” [salted cod], which is present mainly in Italian, Portuguese and Spanish, formulating a new hypothesis as to its origin, connected with the trade of the product in the Mediterranean area. On the basis of the documentation proposed, the relationship with the corresponding Dutch term is discussed and excluded. On the other hand, semantic reasons emerge that would suggest its probable origin lies in a Romance form, the use of which for the name of the salted fish appears at an early stage in Liguria.