"Res" is beef. True?

Question

I hear (and see res on menus) all the time in Sonora, but couldn't find it in the dictionary.

Carne de vaca is rarely used hereabouts.

Is res a regional word?

Answer 1

In Mexico, it seems "carne de res" is more common.

I've never heard or seen "carne de vaca" in a restaurant there - that I recall.

In fact, that phrase seems used only to refer to live cattle.

What lasairfiona observes about southern Mexico was also my experience in Oaxaca when I spent several months there. Same, when I spent a couple of months in Michoacán.

Answer 2

So which do we order in a restaurant...carne de res or carne de vaca?

Carne de res or at least that is how it is here in S. Mexico. I never see carne de vaca on a menu. - Lasairfiona, NOV 20, 2009

Answer 3

Hi volpen, this is a well known word over here, but not used when talking about food.

Carne ~ de res.

1. f. Am. carne de vaca o de buey.

It's used a lot in discussions about bullfighting. - samdie, NOV 20, 2009

I see it about food here in S Mexico all the time. - Lasairfiona, NOV 20, 2009