pinata
See also: piñata
English
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/66/PI%C3%91ATA.jpg/220px-PI%C3%91ATA.jpg)
Alternative forms
Etymology
From Mexican Spanish piñata, from piña, from Latin pinea (“pinecone”), because its paper cover (on traditional making) resembles one. Alternatively from Spanish via Italian pignatta (“clay pot”),[1] from a Chinese custom allegedly introduced by Marco Polo.[2]
Pronunciation
Noun
pinata (plural pinatas)
- (Latin American culture) A doll or other decorated container that is filled with candy and hit with a hammer or a stick by blindfolded children during birthday parties or other celebrations until the candy falls out.
Translations
candy-filled container that is hit with a stick
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Verb
pinata (third-person singular simple present pinatas, present participle pinataing, simple past and past participle pinataed)
- To hit something or someone with sticks after having filled them with candy.
- 2015 (November 20) "Zombie Broheims", episode 14 of Pig Goat Banana Cricket
- Cricket: "Don't pinata me!"
- 2015 (November 20) "Zombie Broheims", episode 14 of Pig Goat Banana Cricket
Further reading
References
- ^ “pinata”, in Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: Merriam-Webster, 1996–present.
- ^ Center for History and New Media (2019 March 15 (last accessed)) “Piñata [Object]”, in Children and Youth in History, Item #411[1]: “Polo likely brought the idea to Italy, where by the 14th century it was associated with celebration of Lent, and acquired the Italian name pignatta or "fragile pot."”