The Spanish word 'carnicería' (meaning 'butcher shop') has its roots in the Latin word 'caro' meaning 'flesh' or 'meat'. This evolved into the Latin adjective 'carniceus' meaning 'of meat' or 'meaty'. In Spanish, this developed into 'carniza' meaning 'waste meat'. When combined with the occupational suffix '-ero', it formed 'carnicero' meaning 'butcher'. Finally, adding the place/activity suffix '-ía' to 'carnicero' gave us 'carnicería', literally meaning 'the place where a butcher works' - a butcher shop.

Several common Spanish words share this meaty etymology. The word 'carne' meaning 'meat' is the most basic related term, coming directly from Latin 'caro'. 'Carnoso' meaning 'fleshy' or 'meaty' is another related word. The word 'carnicero' (butcher) is also obviously related, being the base word from which 'carnicería' is derived.

English has several words sharing the same Latin root 'caro'. 'Carnivore' literally means 'meat-eater', while 'carnivorous' means 'meat-eating'. 'Carnal', meaning 'relating to physical needs', especially bodily pleasures, comes from the same root, originally referring to 'of the flesh'. Even the word 'carnival' is related - it originally meant 'removal of meat' (before Lent), from Latin 'carnem levare'.