The origins of these different names for meat can be traced back to the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century. During this time, the English language was heavily influenced by French, as the Norman conquerors brought their language and culture with them.
In medieval England, the wealthy Norman ruling class spoke French, while the common English people spoke Old English. This linguistic divide extended to the names of meats as well. The animals themselves were referred to by their English names, such as pig, cow, sheep, and deer. However, once they were prepared as food, they were given French names.
The reason behind this linguistic distinction can be attributed to the social hierarchy of the time. The Norman conquerors, who held the power and wealth, were the ones consuming the prepared meats. They brought their culinary traditions and language, including their vocabulary for food, to the English table.
As a result, the English language adopted the French terms for the prepared meats. The French words for pig, cow, sheep, and deer were porc, boeuf, mouton, and venison, respectively. These terms became associated specifically with the meat of these animals, while the English names continued to be used for the animals themselves.
Interestingly, this linguistic divide did not extend to all animals. Chicken and fish, for example, retained their English names for both the animal and its meat. This could be because these meats were more commonly consumed by the English population, rather than the Norman ruling class. Since the English language was primarily spoken by the common people, there was less influence from French in naming these particular meats.
Over time, these French-derived terms became ingrained in the English language, and they have persisted to this day. So, when we refer to pig meat as “pork,” cow meat as “beef,” sheep meat as “mutton,” and deer meat as “venison,” we are using the remnants of a linguistic divide that originated centuries ago.
The different names for meat have their roots in the linguistic and cultural influences of the Norman Conquest. The French-derived names for pig, cow, sheep, and deer meats were adopted by the English language, while the English names for chicken and fish meats remained. This linguistic distinction reflects the social hierarchy and historical context of medieval England.