pekoe

/ˈpiː.koʊ/ Chinese Origin Food & Drink

Original Word

白毫

Amoy Hokkien (pe̍h-hô)

Entered English

18th century

First recorded usage in English

The Story Behind "pekoe"

From Amoy Hokkien 'pe̍h-hô' (白毫), literally 'white down', referring to the fine white hairs on young tea leaves. A grade of black tea made from young leaves.

Example Usage

"Orange pekoe is a popular grade of black tea."

All Chinese Loanwords Look Up in Dictionary

More Chinese Loanwords

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