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Joe O'Connell

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #1 of 2 (4231 views)

Need help with Spanish dictionary

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Can someone contact me directly to help me with some research with a Spanish dictionary?

Here's the question: the Oxford English Dictionary )OED) lists the etymology (word origin) and meaning of English words. The OED says that the first use in English of the word "barbecue" was in a 1661 book called Jamaica by Hickeringill ("Some are slain, And their flesh forthwith Barbau'd and eat.").

The OED also says that the English word barbecue came from the Spanish word barbacoa which came from the Taino word for a raised platform.

My question: is there a Spanish dictionary equivalent of the OED that lists the earliest known use of the word barbacoa? What is the 'most authoritative' Spanish dictionary?

Thanks for your help -- especially of any historians and academics -- I'll keep everyone informed on the progress of my research, which is to trace the origin of American barbecue with authoritative primary sources.

Denis

Nov 30, 1919, 12:00 AM

Post #2 of 2 (4231 views)

Need help with Spanish dictionary

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I believe the dictionary "of record" is the one published by the Real Academia de la Lengua Española. I recall it as being two fairly thick volumes. They sell it here in Washington, D.C. in one of the foreign-language bookstores. A good university library should have one. I use a more concise Diccionario etimológico that probably doesn't shed any more light on this than what you already know.