fugu

[ foo-goo ]

noun

1. any of several species of puffer fish eaten as a delicacy, especially in Japan, after the removal of the skin and certain organs which contain a deadly poison.

fugu

/ ˈfuːɡuː /

noun

1. any of various marine pufferfish of the genus Tetraodontidae , eaten as a delicacy in Japan once certain poisonous and potentially lethal parts have been removed

Word History and Origins

Origin of fugu¹

Borrowed into English from Japanese around 1905–10

Word History and Origins

Origin of fugu¹

Japanese

Example Sentences

Some findings were unexpected, including previously unknown coronaviruses in the well-studied fugu fish and axolotls.

From Science Magazine

The knowledge that a microscopic amount of lethal poison is in every slice of fugu sashimi immeasurably intensifies the experience of every bite, no matter how trusted the chef.

From Los Angeles Times

Indeed, the mere hint of danger — rather like eating poisonous fugu fish from a reputable sushi bar in Tokyo — may well have added to the overall exhilaration of the evening.

From Los Angeles Times

The ban on fugu was finally lifted after World War II following years of petitioning by avid fans.

From Reuters

Nippon sends it out with chives and a spicy daikon mash, which complement its quiet flavor, and cooked fragments of fugu, which don’t.

From New York Times