10.340
11 (Wed) December 2019
1.5
by W
(From BGC Ajumma Network)
at home
-Dasmariñas Village, Makati, Metro Manila, Philippines-
with the Family, JL
A popular theory about the etymology of this dish’s name holds that the “gamja” refers not to potato but rather to a dialectal term referring to a pig’s backbone. GMTD had recounted this theory in a prior post, though the contents of the post has since been lost (see 3.226 Gamja Tang).
I’m now coming to believe that the theory is bullshit. Beyond anectodal food literature, I have not seen any verifiable source that provides evidence to support the claim. Further, the proposed secondary meaning does not seem to appear anywhere outside of the gamja tang context. In my experience researching etymology, at least where English is concerned, I’ve found that people are eager to accept surprising/silly word origins, even if dubious, possibly because conveying such supposedly obscure information makes them feel clever; the more obvious/rational explanation is often ignored.
More from the BGC Ajumma Network:
- 7.225 Bulgogi Ddeokbokki (2.5)
- 7.286 Dweji Bulgogi (2.5)
- 7.303 Galbi Jjim (3.0)
- 8.039 Galchi Jorim (2.5)
- 9.006 Bibimbap (3.0)
- 9.035 Jjusam Mussam (2.5)
- 9.087 Bulgogi (2.5)
- 9.122 Dweji Bulgogi (3.25)
- 9.126 Dweji Bulgogi with Veg Wraps (3.0)
- 9.136 Bibimbap (3.0)
- 9.138 Bulgogi (2.5)
- 9.212 Dweji Bulgogi with Veg Wraps (3.25)
- 9.339 Pork Belly & Kimchi Stir-Fry (2.0)
- 10.003 Maeun Tang (2.0)
- 10.102 Pork Bulgogi (2.5)
- 10.124 Pan-Fried Okdom (2.5)
- 10.241 Muuk Guk (3.0)
- 10.242 Bulgogi Ddeokbokki (3.5)
- 10.243 Ddeok Guk (3.5)
- 10.253 Jogae Tang (2.25)