The Clever Etymology Behind The Word 'Calzone'

Etymology, the study of word origins, can be fascinating, especially regarding foods that have become entrenched in our current culture. For example, the pasta known as farfalle — which translates to 'butterflies' in Italian — is named for its resemblance to the insect's shape, spaghetti comes from spago, the Italian word for 'cord', and the origin of puttanesca sauce is, well, you may want to read it for yourself.

Calzones were invented in 18th century Naples as a simple street food, according to Eataly. Today, however, you can find them on the menus of restaurants and pizzerias all over the world. Some reports claim they rose to popularity in the United States after the Seinfeld episode named after the doughy treat aired.

The clever etymology of the tasty folded stuffed pizzas known as calzones isn't entirely clear, but the overall meaning is. Read on to see if we can get to the bottom of the history behind the name.

According to Eater, the origin of the name calzone came from the word for 'trousers' in Italian because calzones could easily be carried in a man's pocket. However, the Italian word for stockings is calze, so the etymology of the word calzone isn't entirely clear. Either way, calzones were named for their portability, food to be eaten "on foot" whether carried by hand or in a pocket.

Calzones are usually filled with hearty fillings such as ricotta, mozzarella, meats, and vegetables. The perfect calzone is warm and cheesy on the inside, wrapped in a crisp dough. No matter what you put inside a calzone, they're the perfect size to hold in your hand.

Don't make the rookie mistake of confusing calzones with strombolis. Both have similar basic ingredients, but while the dough of strombolis is rolled, the dough of calzones is folded in half and crimped, per Food Network. Calzones are meant to be dipped in sauce, while strombolis usually have the sauce as part of the filling, via iFood.TV.

Walking meals have been around for a long time and can be found in many cultures. The miners in Cornwall, England, ate pasties, a pie crust filled with meat and potatoes and tightly sealed shut to survive the harsh conditions of the mine. These hand pies, which became popular with miners in the U.S. in the 19^th century, could be easily eaten while on the job, per A Healthier Michigan. Empanadas, popular in Latin cultures, are pocket-sized, too, and, who can forget America's favorite microwavable delicacy, Hot Pockets, when we're talking about food on the go?

Calzones don't have to be savory. This recipe for Nutella calzones turns tradition on its head by combining creamy chocolatey Nutella with ricotta making for a very unconventional filling and a decadent dessert. The origin of the word may be unclear, but the deliciousness of any kind of calzone — sweet or savory — is undeniable.