What does the Spanish name “pico de gallo” literally mean?

The Spanish name “pico de gallo” literally means “rooster’s beak.”

Pico de gallo is a fresh salsa commonly made with chopped tomatoes, onion, chili peppers, cilantro, and lime juice. It is widely served with Tex-Mex foods such as tacos, nachos, and grilled meats, although the condiment is also central to Mexican cuisine.

The literal translation is widely given as “rooster’s beak,” but explanations for the name vary. Some accounts connect it with the way people once pinched the salsa between thumb and fingers, resembling a bird’s pecking action. The name does not mean that rooster meat is an ingredient.

Pico de gallo is usually chunkier and less liquid than blended salsa. Ingredient proportions and chili varieties differ by recipe and region.