The word "tart" has multiple etymologies, depending on its meaning:
As a baked good:
Old English: "tarte," from Anglo-French, which in turn comes from Old Provençal "tarta"
Latin: "torta," meaning "round cake"
As a sour or sharp taste:
Middle English: "tart," from Old French "tart," meaning "sharp" or "acid"
Proto-Germanic: "*tartuz," meaning "sour" or "bitter"
Origin
As a baked good:
The origin of tarts as a pastry is traced back to medieval Europe, where they were initially made with a simple crust and filled with fruit or vegetables.
The term "tart" was first used to describe a pie with a sweet or savory filling in the 14th century.
Over time, tarts evolved into more elaborate creations, with intricate designs and a variety of fillings, both sweet and savory.
As a sour or sharp taste:
The Proto-Germanic root "*tartuz" is thought to be onomatopoeic, imitating the taste of something sour or bitter.
The term "tart" has been used to describe the flavor of various foods and beverages, such as citrus fruits, wine, and certain cheeses.
Meaning
As a baked good:
A pastry with a shallow crust and a filling of fruit, cream, or other ingredients.
Typically served cold or at room temperature.
As a sour or sharp taste:
A sharp or acidic taste that evokes a sense of sourness or bitterness.
