deli
UK[ˈdeli]US[ˈdeli]
n
a shop or part of a shop that sells high-quality, often unusual or foreign, foods that are ready to eat or require little preparation.
Etymology
the word 'deli' is a clipped form of 'delicatessen', borrowed into english from german in the late 19th century. the german term 'delicatessen' itself derives from the french 'délicatesse', meaning 'delicacy' or 'fine food', which in turn originates from the latin 'delicatus', meaning 'alluring', 'delightful', or 'fastidious'. the core semantic thread from latin to modern english traces a path from the concept of something giving pleasure and being choice, to specifically denoting a shop selling fine, prepared foods. the abbreviation to 'deli' reflects a common linguistic process of shortening longer loanwords for casual, everyday use.
Analysis
this word is a loanword abbreviation and is not productively segmented into meaningful morphemes in english.
Examples
i picked up some fresh pasta and olives from the italian deli.
the office often orders sandwich platters from the local deli for meetings.
this neighborhood is famous for its old-world jewish deli.