Etymology

muttonfish

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Today it means: Any of several Atlantic and Caribbean fishes which are said to taste of mutton, especially a mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis), an ocean pout (Macrozoarces americanus), or an Irish pompano (Diapterus auratus). Full definition →

First used 18th c.
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The story

From mutton + fish.

First known use, by meaning

  • from 18th c. Any of several Atlantic and Caribbean fishes which are said to taste of mutton, especially a mutton snapper (Lutjanus analis), an ocean pout (Macrozoarces americanus), or an Irish pompano (Diapterus auratus).
  • from 19th c. Any of several edible molluscs of the genus Haliotis; an abalone.

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.