Bombilla

/bɔmˈbiʎa/ noun

Definition

A metal straw with a built-in filter used to drink mate, a South American herbal tea.

Etymology

Spanish diminutive of 'bomba' (pump or fountain), named for its tubular shape and suction action. Used throughout Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.

Kelly Says

The bombilla shows how language adapts to culture—Spanish speakers gave this functional object a cute diminutive name, and it became the iconic symbol of mate-drinking tradition across South America!

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