chitterlings

American  

[chit-linz, -lingz] / ˈtʃɪt lɪnz, -lɪŋz /

Also chitlins or chitlings

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)

1. the small intestine of swine, especially when prepared as food.

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chitterlings British  

/ ˈtʃɪtlɪŋz, ˈtʃɪtəlɪŋz, ˈtʃɪtlɪnz /

plural noun

1. (sometimes singular) the intestines of a pig or other animal prepared as a dish

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Etymology

Origin of chitterlings

1250–1300; Middle English cheterling; akin to German Kutteln in same sense

Explanation

Chitterlings are a type of food with an unappetizing origin: they’re the small intestines of a pig. Chitterlings are served boiled or fried. Many parts of a pig are used as food, but you’d think we’d draw the line with something as gross as its guts. However, you’d think wrong, because this is exactly what chitterlings are: a pig’s small intestines. Chitterlings are then boiled or fried, and they’re often filled with mincemeat. Chitterlings can come from other animals too, but they’re usually from a pig. If you eat these on a regular basis, you may know them as chitlins.

Example Sentences

Later he takes viewers to a place known as the Trap Kitchen to eat chitterlings, which leads into a faux video of his “trap” version of the National Anthem.

From Salon • Jun. 27, 2017

Chitterlings: Every year since 1965, the town of Salley, S.C., has hosted the world’s largest “Chitlin Strut,” where thousands gather to eat boiled or fried chitterlings, a.k.a. chitlins, made from pig intestines.

From Washington Post • Jun. 12, 2017

Through collard greens, cornbread, okra, ham-hocks, chitterlings and pigs’ feet, neither can stop upping the ante.

From Economist • May 5, 2016

Mrs. B’s Home Cooking is another meat-and-three favorite, where you’ll find turkey and dressing, oxtails, smothered pork chops, fried chicken, chitterlings, collard greens, mac ‘n’ cheese, okra, corn bread and more.

From Washington Times • Jun. 6, 2015

Of chitterlings of pigs were made Its beautiful rafters, Splendid the beams and the pillars Of marvellous pork.

From "The Once and Future King" by T. H. White