Tacos are known around the world for their convenience and versatility, but are they finger food? In today’s post, we provide an answer by taking a closer look at the definitions of tacos and finger food.
Are Tacos Finger Food?
In general, yes: tacos can be classified as finger food. If you find it hard to believe, keep reading to take a look at the solid reasons behind this conclusion.
First, let’s read Merriam Webster’s definition of finger food: “A food that is to be held with the fingers for eating.”
Going by that definition, not only are tacos finger food, but they are the quintessential finger food.
This is curious, given that the origins of finger food harken back to late-1700s France, where appetizers known as canapés caused a sensation when they were served at fancy parties. Tacos, on the other hand, had humbler beginnings: they were most likely miners’ food (the original meaning of the word “taco” in Mexico was a gunpowder-filled cylinder used by silver miners).
In any case, the broad definition of finger food fits tacos like a glove, and that should be enough to settle the debate. However, if you need more proof, just read the first paragraph of the entry for “finger food” on Wikipedia:
“The ideal finger food usually does not create any mess (i.e. no crumbs, drips, or any kind of mess), but this criterion is often overlooked in order to include foods like tacos.”
Are Tacos Finger Food? Wrapping It Up
In summary, tacos are finger food, even if they don’t share some of the characteristics of your typical finger food.
For one thing, tacos have humble origins and weren’t originally created to be served at parties like canapés, the original finger food. Secondly, tacos sometimes drip, especially if you like salsa, and this is something that tends to be avoided with finger food.
However, tacos are so delicious and fit the concept of finger food so well that they have secured their place in the hall of fame of finger foods.
To learn more about tacos, check out our previous blog, “Are Tacos Sandwiches?”
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