Catsup vs. Ketchup — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 13, 2023
Catsup and Ketchup are both terms for a tomato-based condiment; "Ketchup" is more commonly used, while "Catsup" is an older spelling variant.
Difference Between Catsup and Ketchup
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Catsup and Ketchup both refer to the familiar red, tomato-based sauce that many people love to put on their fries, burgers, and a plethora of other foods. Catsup, an older variant spelling of the word, has its roots in American English from the 18th and 19th centuries. On the other hand, Ketchup is the modern, more universally recognized term and is the prevalent spelling used on product labels today.
The origin of both Catsup and Ketchup can be traced back to the Chinese word "kê-tsiap," a term for a sauce made from fermented fish. The sauce's evolution took it from Asia to Europe, where tomatoes were added, leading to the creation of the condiment we know today. As it made its way to English-speaking countries, various spellings emerged, with Catsup and Ketchup being the most recognized.
While both Catsup and Ketchup describe the same product, regional preferences and brand affiliations have influenced their usage. For example, certain brands might have favored one spelling over the other, causing regional popularity. Nevertheless, in contemporary times, Ketchup holds a more dominant presence in the market and the popular lexicon.
Despite their differences in spelling and historical usage, both Catsup and Ketchup share the same core meaning. These terms, while creating slight confusion due to their dual existence, don't differ in their culinary application or taste. Consumers might find one or the other on supermarket shelves, but their function remains consistent.
Comparison Chart
Spelling Origin
Older American English variant.
More universally recognized.
ADVERTISEMENT
Current Usage
Less common, especially on labels.
More prevalent and recognized.
Historical Root
Derived from “kê-tsiap”.
Derived from “kê-tsiap”.
Brand Affiliation
Some older brands used Catsup.
Most modern brands use Ketchup.
Culinary Application
Same as Ketchup.
Same as Catsup.
Compare with Definitions
Catsup
A tomato-based condiment with spices and sweeteners.
She poured catsup over her fries.
Ketchup
A sauce of international origins, now common in American cuisine.
Ketchup has its origins in Asia.
Catsup
A variant of ketchup, often interchangeable in meaning.
Do you have any catsup packets?
Ketchup
A condiment made primarily from tomatoes, vinegar, and spices.
Ketchup is essential for a hot dog.
Catsup
An older American English spelling for a popular sauce.
The bottle read 'Catsup' instead of 'Ketchup'.
Ketchup
The modern term for a red tomato sauce.
Can you pass the ketchup, please?
Catsup
A sauce often used on fast foods and dishes.
Catsup is a staple at barbecues.
Ketchup
A popular addition to many fast-food items.
He always adds extra ketchup to his burger.
Catsup
Another term for ketchup
Ketchup
A versatile sauce used in cooking and as a topping.
She uses ketchup in her meatloaf recipe.
Catsup
Variant of ketchup.
Ketchup
Ketchup is a table condiment. The unmodified term ("ketchup") now typically refers to tomato ketchup, although original recipes used egg whites, mushrooms, oysters, grapes, mussels, or walnuts, among other ingredients.Tomato ketchup is a sweet and tangy condiment made from tomatoes, sugar, and vinegar, with seasonings and spices.
Catsup
Alternative form of ketchup
Ketchup
A spicy sauce made chiefly from tomatoes and vinegar, used as a relish.
Catsup
Same as Catchup, and Ketchup.
Ketchup
A condiment consisting of a thick, smooth-textured, spicy sauce usually made from tomatoes.
Catsup
Thick spicy sauce made from tomatoes
Ketchup
(uncountable) A tomato-vinegar-based sauce, sometimes containing spices, onion or garlic, and (especially in the US) sweeteners.
Tomato ketchup
This diner serves ketchup in red bottles, and mustard in yellow ones.
Catsup
A tangy, red sauce derived from tomatoes.
She prefers catsup with a hint of spice.
Ketchup
Such a sauce more generally (not necessarily based on tomatoes, but with mushrooms, fish, etc.).
Ketchup
(transitive) To cover with ketchup.
Ketchup
A pureed table sauce made predominantly from tomatoes, flavored with onions, sugar, salt and spices; called also tomato ketchup. The term is also applied to pureed sauces containing mushrooms, walnuts, etc., being called in such cases mushroom ketchup, walnut ketchup, etc.
Ketchup
Thick spicy sauce made from tomatoes
Common Curiosities
Is there a taste difference between Catsup and Ketchup?
No, the terms refer to the same product, and taste would depend on the brand or recipe.
What are Catsup and Ketchup?
Both are terms for a tomato-based condiment, but "Ketchup" is more commonly used today.
Which is more commonly used, Catsup or Ketchup?
Ketchup is the more prevalent term in modern times.
Where did the term Catsup originate?
Catsup is an older American English spelling from the 18th and 19th centuries.
Why are there two spellings for the same product?
The different spellings emerged from the sauce's evolution and its journey from Asia to English-speaking countries.
Are there regions where Catsup is more popular than Ketchup?
The popularity might vary due to older brand affiliations, but Ketchup is generally more recognized globally.
How did Ketchup become more popular than Catsup?
The term "Ketchup" became more universally recognized and was adopted by most modern brands.
Can Catsup and Ketchup be used interchangeably in cooking?
Yes, they can be used interchangeably as they refer to the same condiment.
Are Catsup and Ketchup derived from a foreign term?
Yes, both terms trace back to the Chinese word "kê-tsiap," a sauce made from fermented fish.
Do Catsup and Ketchup have different ingredients?
Not necessarily. They refer to the same condiment, so the ingredients would be similar.
Can I find Catsup in stores today?
Yes, but Ketchup is more common on product labels.
Is there a difference in how Catsup and Ketchup are produced?
The production process is similar, as they refer to the same condiment. Differences would come down to specific brands or recipes.
Which brands use Catsup on their labels?
Fewer brands use "Catsup" today, but some older brands might have favored this spelling.
Which term is older, Catsup or Ketchup?
Catsup is an older spelling variant.
Are there other spellings besides Catsup and Ketchup?
These are the most recognized, but other variants might have existed in history.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Lack vs. Need
Next Comparison
Dumb vs. FoolAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
