It. lasagna ‘sfoglia di pastaʼ e fr. losange ‘romboʼ

Abstract

Abstract According to the current state of research, the traditional etymology (i.e. lasanum ‘chamber potʼ) of It. lasagna ‘type of pastaʼ is obsolete. The actual basis is Ar. lawzīnaǧ ‘almond confectionʼ, which satisfies all etymological requirements. Furthermore, the hypothesis of an etymological connection between It. lasagna and Fr. losange cannot be confirmed. By reason of the early productivity of the family of Fr. losange, the late and marginal appearance of the culinary meaning, and the fact that the entire textual tradition of losange does not present any affinity to the oriental world, it is evident that an Arabic origin must be ruled out. Instead, the traditional derivation from pre-Rom. *lausa ‘flat stoneʼ, ‘roofing or paving stoneʼ is to be revalidated.