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

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

"This is idle trifling," said young Chitterlings, mildly.

From Drift from Two Shores by Harte, Bret

Pantagruel eating cheerfully with his men, much about the second course perceived certain little sly Chitterlings clambering up a high tree near the pantry, as still as so many mice.

From Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 4 by Motteux, Peter Anthony

Pantagruel held a treaty with Niphleseth, Queen of the Chitterlings.

From Gargantua and Pantagruel, Illustrated, Book 4 by Motteux, Peter Anthony

The two elder youths turned with a slight feeling of awe and shame to gaze on the glowing cheeks, and high, haughty crest of their youngest comrade—the bright, the beautiful Bromley Chitterlings.

From Drift from Two Shores by Harte, Bret