Long before tacos meant what they mean today, the word was miner slang. In the old Mexican silver mines, "tacos" were small explosive charges wrapped in paper and stuffed with gunpowder. Miners packed them by hand, set them with grit, and used them to carve their way through the rock.

Their food had to do the same thing. It had to fuel them. It had to hit hard. It had to keep them going.

So the miners started using the same nickname for the food they wrapped up and brought underground. Anything packed tight, bold, and full of energy became a "taco." Burritos. Bowls. Griddled meats. Hot sauces. Whatever got them through the day.