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It's all descended from the Norman invasion of England. The Anglo-Saxon words were considered lowly, for peasants only. So "buef" was better than "cu", just as "cuisine" is better than "food."
In 1066, the invading Normans spoke French, the Anglo-Saxon natives spoke Old English. The resulting language, Middle English, included words from both.
We have "pork" from the French and "swine" from Old English, as well as "mutton" from the French and "sheep" from Old English. Likewise, "veal" and "calf". Some have theorized that the Normans were not involved in keeping the animals, only in consuming the product, while the (Anglo-Saxon) peasants were the ones who raised the animals. Consequently, the Germanic words apply to the animals while the French words apply to the meat we derive from them.
Although, as recently as 100 years ago, ranchers in the US would take inventory of the number of "beeves" on their land.
Wiki User
∙ 13y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThe English word "beef comes from the French "boeuf", a part of our heritage resulting from William the Conqueror's invasion in 1066, from which many names for meats derive from French, such as gammon from gambon and mutton literally from mutton (albeit with a French accent!). As to where the French word boeuf comes from is another question...
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What part of the beef is corned beef from?
Corned beef comes from the brisket, however, do not get it mixed up with corn fed beef, corned beef is brine-cured after the cow is slaughtered.
Where does potted beef come from?
potted beef comes from cows like all beef first they must kill the cow harvest the meat freeze it package it and send it out to stores
Is pork considered veal?
No, Pork is the meat of a pig, veal is the meat of a young cow or bull (beef)
Is ox tail from a cow or ox?
The oxtail was once really from an ox but nowadays the term generally refers to beef or veal tail.
Why is David Lloyd George called the cow puncher?
he is called the cow puncher because there is a cartoon picture of him milking a cow and the cow symbolizes rich people saying that he milks the rich for there money for the poor don't know if that helped glad if it does!! from Zak
What is the meat from cows called?
The meat of a cow is called beef.
Can you eat cow meat?
Yes, it is called beef.
What is a thick slice of beef from a lean part of a cow called?
Probably a beef steak.
What is female beef called?
A cow. Male = bull Female = cow Castrated male = steer
What is the flesh of a cow pig deer called?
cow - beef pig - pork deer - venison
What part of the cow does angus beef come from?
Angus beef does not come from any part of any cow, but comes from a BREED of cattle (or cows) called Angus.
How heavy is a average beef cow?
the average beef cow is 1,333lbs
What are female beef cattle called?
A beef cow if already given birth to one or two calves, or a beef heifer if she's an immature female. See the related question below for more.
What is the beef of the horse?
horses do not have beef. beef is on a cow.
How much of each cut of beef comes from a typical cow?
poop is what it is called
What is the flesh of a cow called?
the general term is beef
Is beef made out of pig or cow?
cow
