Do you speak a little Spanish when you say 'mantilla'?

'Mantilla' is a word borrowed from Spanish 'mantilla'. The word entered the English language some time around 1717.

mantilla [noun] [1717]

• a light scarf worn over the head and shoulders especially by Spanish and Latin-American women
• a short light cape or cloak

Meaning: a light scarf worn over the head and shoulders especially by Spanish and Latin-American women; a short light cape or cloak.

Etymology: Spanish; diminutive of manta.

Topics: Society:Culture.

Origin: From Latin to English.

note: Diminutive of manta meaning blanket or cloak. The word manta itself originates from the Late Latin mantum (cloak) and the Latin mantellum (cloak) ultimately deriving from mantum. Thus a mantilla is etymologically a little cloak or small veil referring to the traditional Spanish head and shoulder covering.

See 'mantilla' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from Spanish.

See more loan words from 1700s.