Pilchard

Pilchard

Noun · /ˈpɪltʃəd/ · a small oily sea fish related to the herring

Definition

A pilchard is a small, oily saltwater fish closely related to the herring and the sardine. In British English, a pilchard typically refers to the adult form of the European sardine. Pilchards swim in large shoals and have been an important food fish in Britain for centuries, especially along the coasts of Cornwall and Devon. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and are commonly eaten tinned, grilled, or smoked.

Origin

The word pilchard first appeared in English in the 1530s, but its exact origin is uncertain. It may come from the Cornish language — Cornwall was the centre of the British pilchard fishing industry for over four hundred years. Some linguists suggest a connection to an old word meaning "to peel" or "to strip," referring to the fish's easily removed scales. The pilchard industry was once so important to Cornwall that the fish appeared on local coats of arms.