Tso

Tso is a surname of Chinese origin. In standard Mandarin, the surname is typically romanized as Zuo (左). Tso is an alternative spelling historically used in Wade-Giles and by some overseas Chinese communities, and it can appear in family names in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and among the Chinese diaspora. The name is among several spellings that reflect different transliteration systems and regional pronunciations.

The most widely known person associated with the name is Zuo Zongtang (1812–1885), commonly anglicized as General Tso. He was a Qing dynasty general and statesman who played a significant role in suppressing the Taiping Rebellion and in campaigns in Xinjiang. His prominence in Chinese history contributed to the use of the English name General Tso in various contexts.

General Tso's chicken is a popular dish in American Chinese cuisine named after Zuo Zongtang, though not a traditional Chinese dish. It typically consists of deep-fried chicken pieces in a sweet-spicy sauce, often served with vegetables such as broccoli. The exact origins of the dish are disputed, with multiple claims in the United States regarding its creation in the 20th century. It is widely available in North American Chinese restaurants and has become a recognizable staple of the broader Chinese-American culinary landscape, even as it remains relatively uncommon in China itself.

Beyond individuals and the dish, Tso primarily appears as a surname in various transliterations and contexts. The name continues to be found among Chinese communities worldwide, reflecting the broader patterns of Chinese diaspora naming conventions.