delicatessit

Delicatessen, commonly shortened to deli, is a retail shop or department that sells prepared foods, such as cured meats, cheeses, salads, sandwiches, and other ready-to-eat items. The term derives from the German Delikatessen, meaning delicacies, and entered English in the 19th century. In American usage a deli is often a standalone store or a counter within a grocery, offering counter service and hot meals; in Europe the word can refer to a shop devoted to fine foods or to the counter of a supermarket.

A delicatessen typically sells a mixture of cold cuts, cheeses, salads, and take-out meals. Common offerings include sliced meats such as ham, salami, and prosciutto; a selection of cheeses; prepared salads like potato salad, coleslaw, and pasta salad; and ready-to-eat sandwiches, pates and terrines, olives, pickles, and marinated vegetables. Many delis also provide baked goods, such as bread and pastries, and may offer hot items or daily specials.

Regionally the concept and branding vary. In the United States the term describes both shops and the foods they sell; in other countries, terms like Feinkost or simply deli may be used. The spelling delicatessit is not standard English; delicatessen is the conventional form, and delicatessit may appear as a misspelling or in brand names.