pinata

Meanings

Noun

• 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.

Verb

• To hit something or someone with sticks after having filled them with candy.

Origin

• 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"), from a Chinese custom allegedly introduced by Marco Polo.{{cite-web
• |url=http://chnm.gmu.edu/cyh/primary-sources/411
• |title=Piñata [Object]
• |work=Children and Youth in History, Item #411
• |author=Center for History and New Media
• |accessdate=March 15, 2019