Is this correct?

[Humpy]

No. The word only exists only as a plural as it refers to several things in one batch. Carnitas means PIECES of meat and is never used to refer to a single PIECE of meat. The fact that some people misuse the word does not make it right, it only makes them wrong. Carnitas is plural, it's always plural and it cannot be properly used any other way.

Carnitas is more than just pieces of meat when it refers to a prepared food item.

It is Mexican Pulled Pork, and it is back.

 

[PJFrylar]

In addition, do not get hung up on that a soup or stew is an amalgamation of various ingredients compared to how the word carnitas is commonly used. A carnita is a single small piece of meat, obviously not a realistic portion size. So generally it is served in multiple pieces, and the dominate usage is carnitas. These dictionaries have clearly defined it as a plural noun, keep in mind you are arguing multiple dictionaries that agree whilst citing Chipotle as a source. The smart money is on the dictionaries.

Shredded pork versus a shred of pork versus shreds of pork. The phrase shredded pork is indeed a singular form that describes multiple shreds of pork. Keep in mind, the word carnitas is not of English origin. It is a Spanish word. It's origin of usage from Spanish is Las Carnitas, making it a plural noun. That is why it is defined as such by the dictionaries.

 

[GagHalfrunt]

Carnitas is more than just pieces of meat when it refers to a prepared food item.

It is Mexican Pulled Pork, and it is back.

And again, wrong. Using "carnitas" to refer to a prepared food item is like using "Froot" to refer to fruit. Just because some person or company uses it as an affectation to refer to one of their items does not make it proper grammar any more than "Lite Beer" or "Krispy Kreme". Carnitas is defined as pieces of meat and somebody deciding to use that word to refer to a product filled with pieces of meat is wrong. Just like you. It is always plural and morons using it incorrectly doesn't change that.

 

[Humpy]

And again, wrong. Using "carnitas" to refer to a prepared food item is like using "Froot" to refer to fruit. Just because some person or company uses it as an affectation to refer to one of their items does not make it proper grammar any more than "Lite Beer" or "Krispy Kreme". Carnitas is defined as pieces of meat and somebody deciding to use that word to refer to a product filled with pieces of meat is wrong. Just like you. It is always plural and morons using it incorrectly doesn't change that.

The word does not refer to a product filled with carnitas. That would be a burrito or a taco or a sandwhich.

Carnitas is defined as a dish of Mexican cuisine originating from the state of Michoacán. It's pulled pork and fortunately, it is back.

If it was just referring to the literal, book definition of the word then when ordering you would have to specify if you wanted one carnita or some number of carnitas. That's silly.

 

[PJFrylar]

Does a soup contain a bit of carrot or bits of carrot? A burrito contains carnitas, not a carnita. It is a compound word from the Spanish language, and it is a plural noun, end of story.

 

[WaTaGuMp]

Does a soup contain a bit of carrot or bits of carrot? A burrito contains carnitas, not a carnita. It is a compound word from the Spanish language, and it is a plural noun, end of story.

It still sounds better in my head saying Carnitas is back, no idea why.

 

[PJFrylar]

It still sounds better in my head saying Carnitas is back, no idea why.

I get it, I really do. However, remember the plurality of the verb is determined by the noun before the preposition, not after. The bits of carrot are ready to be put into the stew. Not, the bits of carrots is ready to be put into the stew.

 

[Humpy]

Does a soup contain a bit of carrot or bits of carrot?

That's a good question.

My favorite soups almost always contain a bit of carrot.

 

[PJFrylar]

That's a good question.

My favorite soups almost always contain a bit of carrot.

Well played enough, a poor word choice. Pretend I said pieces and piece. I guess my point is, as screwed up as the English language is, with all its rules and exceptions ... this is a Spanish word. It has a very clear etymology.

 

[bigboxes]

Are is correct

 

[Humpy]

I get it, I really do. However, remember the plurality of the verb is determined by the noun before the preposition, not after. The bits of carrot are ready to be put into the stew. Not, the bits of carrots is ready to be put into the stew.

This news about carrots is bad.

 

[PJFrylar]

This news about carrots is bad.

I might even go as far to say devastating. Perhaps it is fake news though.

 

[Humpy]

I might even go as far to say devastating. Perhaps it is fake news though.

The news is not fake, but it is plural.

 

[Humpy]

It still sounds better in my head saying Carnitas is back, no idea why.

Oh, I know!!! Pick me!

Because when a noun names the title of something it is singular whether the word takes a singular form or not.

 

[PJFrylar]

The news is not fake, but it is plural.

Yep the word news is singular. However, the recent events around the word carnitas are concerning. Shit the preposition came back. It is almost as if compound words that derive from another language are tricky. Weird.

 

[Humpy]

Well played enough, a poor word choice. Pretend I said pieces and piece. I guess my point is, as screwed up as the English language is, with all its rules and exceptions ... this is a Spanish word. It has a very clear etymology.

I would argue that it is also an English word at this point but I'd be using Chipolte as my source.

 

[PJFrylar]

Heh. I'll make one last post for this thread, as boring as my homework was tonight; I'd really prefer not to argue this any further. I have better things to do. At least, that is what I'd like everyone else to think ... . For now the official correct usage is as a plural noun. However, we all know the "official" English language has been overtaken by incorrect usage and slang before. I certainly wouldn't bet against carnitas being a singular noun in the English language in the future.

Edit: I guess as a parting thought. With bastardized foods, why not bastardized language? I guess I'd prefer at least one component to be pure.

 

[sdifox]

I would argue that it is also an English word at this point but I'd be using Chipolte as my source.

Chipotle is also a (Mexican) Spanish word.

 

[zerocool84]

What's funny is that I'd rather have Del Taco where the OP's picture is from any day over Chipotle. I'd rather have tasty greasy unhealthy over bland and healthy.

 

[s0me0nesmind1]

Chipotle is also a (Mexican) Spanish word.

I always make sure to pronounce it "CHI-PO-TAL" just to annoy people.

 

[Perknose]

What's funny is that I'd rather have Del Taco where the OP's picture is from any day over Chipotle. I'd rather have tasty greasy unhealthy over bland and healthy.

In this specific example, Del Taco vs Chipotle, I'm with you, bro!

Oh, I know!!! Pick me!

Because when a noun names the title of something it is singular whether the word takes a singular form or not.

I'm quite sympathetic to your stance, Humpy, since in fast food parlance they do seem to be referring to the concoction as a whole (and not the constituent pork bits within, )however:

carnitas
plural noun car·ni·tas \ˌkärˈnētəz, -ˈnētäs\
Definition of carnitas

1. : small chunks or strips of meat and especially pork that are fried or roasted until crisp

carnitas

[kahr-nee-tuh z; Spanish kahr-nee-tahs]

plural noun, Mexican Cookery.

1.small or shredded pieces of crisp roast pork, eaten as a snack, used as a filling for burritos, etc.
Origin of carnitas
< Mexican Spanish, plural of carnita, equivalent to Spanish carn(e) meat(< Latin carnem, accusative of carō flesh, meat) + -ita diminutive suffix