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== Comparison Article ==
The terms '''chile''', '''chili''', and '''chilli''' refer to the fruit of plants in the genus ''Capsicum'', as well as various culinary preparations derived from them. While the words share a common etymological root, their specific usage and spelling vary by geographic region and context. In American English, "chili" most frequently denotes the spicy stew known as [[chili con carne]], whereas "chile" usually refers to the fruit itself, particularly in the context of Southwestern United States cuisine.

== Chile vs. Chili ==

The word originates from the [[Nahuatl]] word ''chīlli'', which was used by the [[Aztecs]] to describe the pepper plant. Following the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, the spelling was adapted into Spanish as "chile." This spelling remains the standard throughout Mexico and most of Latin America. In the United States, particularly in [[New Mexico]], "chile" refers specifically to the cultivated varieties of the pepper, such as the [[New Mexico chile]]. In 2023, the New Mexico State Legislature passed a resolution declaring "chile" the official spelling for the state's signature pepper, distinguishing it from the Texas-style stew.

In contrast, "chili" is the most common spelling in general American English. The [[Associated Press Stylebook]] and most major American dictionaries list "chili" as the primary spelling for both the pepper and the dish. This version is believed to have evolved through the anglicization of the Spanish term. In the United Kingdom, Australia, and other Commonwealth nations, the double-L version, "chilli," is the standard orthography for the fruit.

=== Comparison Table ===

{| class="wikitable"
|-
! Feature !! Chile !! Chili !! Chilli
|-
| '''Standard Region''' || Mexico, Latin America, US Southwest || United States (General) || UK, India, Australia, NZ
|-
| '''Primary Meaning''' || The pepper fruit (C. annuum) || Spicy stew (Chili con carne) || The pepper fruit (all types)
|-
| '''Etymological Root''' || Spanish adaptation of Nahuatl || Anglicized version of Spanish || British variant of anglicized term
|-
| '''Culinary Use''' || Refers to fresh or roasted peppers || Refers to dried powder or meat stew || Refers to fresh peppers or flakes
|-
| '''Legal Status''' || Official spelling in New Mexico || Standard in US AP Stylebook || Standard in Oxford English Dictionary
|-
| '''Plural Form''' || Chiles || Chilies || Chillies
|}

[[File:Venn_diagram_Difference_between_chile_versus_chili_comparison.png|thumb|center|800px|alt=Venn diagram for difference between chile and chili|Venn diagram comparing difference between chile and chili]]

=== Geographic Variations ===

In the United States, the distinction is often a matter of culinary identity. In Texas, "chili" almost exclusively refers to a stew of meat and spices, traditionally without beans. In New Mexico, "chile" refers to the local green or red peppers used in sauces and toppings. The spelling "chile" is also used to refer to the South American country of [[Chile]], though the name of the nation has a different etymological origin, likely derived from the [[Quechua language|Quechua]] word for "cold" or a [[Mapuche language|Mapuche]] word for a specific bird.

The British spelling, "chilli," follows the pattern of other words adapted into English that retained or added a double consonant. This version is used in former British colonies, including India, where the fruit was introduced by Portuguese traders in the late 15th century.

== References ==

<references>
<ref name="NPR">"Chile Or Chili? The Red Or Green Is Only The Start Of The Debate." NPR, 2013. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2013/10/01/228221063/chile-or-chili-the-red-or-green-is-only-the-start-of-the-debate</ref>
<ref name="Merriam">"Chili vs. Chile vs. Chilli." Merriam-Webster. https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/usage-of-chili-chile-chilli</ref>
<ref name="NM">"House Memorial 70." New Mexico Legislature, 2023. https://www.nmlegis.gov/Sessions/23%20Regular/memorials/house/HM070.pdf</ref>
<ref name="Oxford">"Chilli." Oxford English Dictionary. https://www.oed.com/dictionary/chilli_n</ref>
</references>

[[Category:Comparisons]]

Difference between chile and chili - Revision history

Dwg: Article written and Venn diagram created.