shih tzu
/ˌʃiː ˈtsuː/
Chinese Origin
Animals
Original Word
狮子狗
Mandarin (shī zi gǒu)
Entered English
20th century
First recorded usage in English
The Story Behind "shih tzu"
From Mandarin 'shī zi gǒu' (狮子狗), literally 'lion dog', named for its resemblance to Chinese guardian lions. This toy dog breed was developed in Tibet and refined in China's imperial courts.
Example Usage
"The shih tzu is known for its friendly temperament and long flowing coat."
More Chinese Loanwords
ketchup
—
茄汁
Food & Drink · Late 17th century
tea
—
茶
Food & Drink · Mid 17th century
typhoon
—
台风
Nature · 16th century
gung ho
—
工合
Culture · 1940s
kowtow
—
叩头
Culture · Early 19th century
brainwash
—
洗脑
Politics · 1950s
lychee
—
荔枝
Food & Drink · 16th century
dim sum
—
点心
Food & Drink · Mid 20th century