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azafata

flight attendant

noun ah-sah-FAH-tah Rare

Origin: From Spanish azafate (a flat basket/tray), from Arabic safaṭ (basket).

Also means

hostess

Usage Note

Azafata traditionally referred to a lady-in-waiting who carried the queen's basket (azafate) of personal effects; today it is the standard term for a female flight attendant or conference hostess. The male equivalent is auxiliar de vuelo or azafato (less common). In Latin America it also covers trade-show hostesses, and the word's Arabic root makes it one of the more surprising Arabisms in everyday Spanish.

Examples

"La azafata explicó las normas de seguridad."

Natural Translation

The flight attendant explained the safety rules.

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