Linguine in Italian means little tongues, which the strands of the thin, flat pasta resemble. Accordingly, linguine is related to the words linguist, language, and cunnilingus whose connections with the human tongue are even more apparent. The word linguine entered English in 1948.
This particular type of pasta bears a semblance to a slender and substantial noodle; however, it is, in fact, spaghetti. Among its notable culinary connections, it holds a prominent affiliation with clam sauce.