What is the origin of word “bistro”?

Question

What is the origin of word “bistro”?

Answer 1

A bistro is a familiar name for a café serving moderately priced simple meals in an unpretentious setting, especially in Paris; bistros have become increasingly popular with tourists.



The word stems from the Russian word быстро (bystro) which means 'Hurry'. Russian soldiers occupying France after the Napoleonic Wars would frequently demand that French civilians serve their food quickly, shouting the word that evolved into the neologism 'Bistro' at them.



The "Russian" etymology presented above is disputed. Cossack solders occupied Paris in 1815 but the first recorded use of the word appears in 1884, almost seventy years later, and in 1892 ("bistrot"). Another possible source for the word could be bistraud, a word in the Poitou dialect which means a "lesser servant." Another possible source for the word is bistouille or bistrouille, a colloquial term from northern area of France, which is a mixture of brandy and coffee; precisely the kind of beverage that could be served at a bistro.

Answer 2

Bistro Meaning

Answer 3

Bistro Definition

Answer 4

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RE:

What is the origin of word “bistro”?

Answer 5

there's no definite answer...One suggestion is bistouille or bistrouille, a colloquial term from northern France meaning a mixture of coffee and brandy, a cheap grade of brandy, or any drink of poor quality, possibly something that might be served in a bistro. Another guess is that it might be connected with bistraud, a word in the Poitou dialect whose meaning dictionaries and works on word history seem unable to decide on—some say that it means a minor servant, but others suggest it refers to a small household, and senses such as “young cowherd” or “little shepherd” are also given.

Answer 6

Cannot mean "hurry" as the French eat leisurely and emulate the snail. Fast foods are not in their dining habits.