The term "deviled", in reference to food, was in use in the 18th century, with the first known print reference appearing in 1786.[30] In the 19th century, it came to be used most often with spicy or zesty food, including eggs prepared with mustard, pepper or other ingredients stuffed in the yolk cavity.[31] Similar uses of "devil" for spiced foods include deviled ham and fra diavolo sauce (from the Italian word for "devil").
In parts of the Southern and Midwestern United States, the terms "stuffed eggs", "salad eggs", and "dressed eggs" are used instead.