One of the few foods named after the person who improvised it — a maître d' feeding hungry visitors after closing time in 1943.
A tortilla chip served with melted cheese and various toppings, or the dish of such chips collectively.
From the nickname Nacho, a Spanish diminutive of Ignacio, after Ignacio Anaya who is credited with creating the dish at a restaurant in Piedras Negras, Mexico in 1943 Key roots: Nacho (Ignacio) (Spanish: "personal name / nickname").
Nachos were invented by accident in 1943 when a group of American military wives crossed the border into Piedras Negras, Mexico and arrived at a restaurant after closing time. The maître d', Ignacio "Nacho" Anaya, improvised a dish from what he had left: tortillas, cheese, and jalapeños. He called them "Nachos Especiales."