What does the Spanish word 'salsa' mean in English?

The Spanish word “salsa” means “sauce” in English. In Spanish, salsa is a broad culinary term for a sauce or condiment, not just the chunky dip commonly served with tortilla chips in the United States.

The word comes from Latin salsa, the feminine form of salsus, meaning “salted” or “seasoned.” Spanish uses salsa for many kinds of sauces, including tomato sauces, meat sauces, and vegetable-based preparations. English borrowed the word while narrowing its everyday use toward Mexican and Mexican-American table sauces.

That narrower English meaning can cause confusion. Salsa may be smooth or chunky, raw or cooked, mild or fiery, and it does not always contain tomatoes. Salsa verde, fruit salsa, and bean salsa are all familiar examples. The musical and dance style called salsa also uses the same Spanish word, metaphorically suggesting flavor, heat, and lively energy.