[Aztlan] Mayan words in English

[David Hixson]

Dear Fritz, Barb, Bryan, and others,

Since so many etymologies have been asserted by so
many folks I respect, could someone clarify...  Am I
correct to summarize:

Cacao (now the English nickname "Coco" for Chocolate),
is documented first as a Mixe-Zoque term - the
language that most postulate was in use by middle or
late preclassic Olmec cultures (could anyone provide a
citation for this?).

Slightly later, it is clearly found as a classic Maya
term, spelled phonetically on certain vessels - for
instance on the so-called "cholate pots" such as the
famous "hershey pot" from Rio Azul.

Then, later (but before the spanish arrived) it is
found in the terminology of the Nahuatl (Aztec)
speakers.

The term was then adopted by the Spaniards through
their contact with the Aztecs, and eventually migrated
into English.

Is this a correct summary, based upon the knowledge of
our list members?

-Dave


 
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