Do you speak a little Spanish (Mexico) when you say 'alpaca'?

'Alpaca' is a word borrowed from Spanish (Mexico) 'alpaca'. The word entered the English language some time around 1811.

alpaca [noun] [1811]

• a domesticated mammal (Lama pacos) especially of Peru that is probably descended from the guanaco
• wool of the alpaca
• a thin cloth made of or containing this wool
• a rayon or cotton imitation of this cloth

Etymology: Spanish, from Aymara 'allpaqa'.

Topics: Society:Culture.

Origin: From Spanish to English.

See 'alpaca' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Spanish (Mexico).

See more loan words from 1800s.