How do you spell chili?
Why are there so many spelling variations of this fiery hot little pepper?
The Oxford English Dictionary refers to the word chilli as the primary spelling. This was the original translation of the Aztec word for the plant.
Dr. Francisco Hernandez studied the flora and fauna of Mexico from 1570 to 1577.
After returning to Spain he produced a number of books identifying the local plants and animals of Spain. Hernandez translated the native name of a spice called by the locals “chee yee” as “chilli” with two L's.
At some point in time the Spanish speakers in Mexico changed the named to “chile”.Today, the two common variations of chilli are ‘chile’ and ‘chili’.
The variant ‘chile’ is used mainly in Mexico and ‘chili’ is used extensively in the United States, especially in California and Texas.