The Spanish word 'saltito' means 'little jump' and comes from combining two elements: the Spanish word 'salto' (meaning 'jump') and the diminutive suffix '-ito'. The word 'salto' itself comes from Latin 'saltus', meaning 'leap' or 'jump'. The diminutive suffix '-ito' is a very common Spanish ending that makes things smaller or more endearing.

Several common Spanish words share the same Latin root 'saltus'. The most basic is 'salto' (jump), but you might also know 'saltar' (to jump), 'asalto' (assault, which originally referred to jumping or leaping at someone), and 'resaltar' (to stand out or highlight, literally to 'jump out again').

The Latin root 'saltus' has also given English some familiar words. 'Assault' comes from the idea of 'jumping at' someone. 'Somersault' combines 'super' (over) with this same root, literally meaning an 'over-jump'. Even the word 'salient' (meaning prominent or notable) comes from this root, as it originally referred to something that 'leaps out' at you figuratively.