"Shakumei" (Etymological Dictionary) established at the end of the second century described that '鮓' referred to pickled fish (pickled with salt and rice), and was eaten after being fermented.'
2世紀末成立の『釈名』では「鮓」は「魚の（塩と飯で漬け込んだ）漬け物、熟してから食べる」とされている。