14 published definitions
A large, round metal basin with a curved bottom used for traditional frying. It is the signature tool for making fritada (a popular Ecuadorian dish of slow-cooked pork) and artisanal hand-churned ice cream, which is stirred in the paila over a bed of ice.
Hand me the bronze paila, we have all the meat ready to start cooking!
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A small plate or saucer used as a base for coffee cups or to hold small portions of food, like afternoon pastries. It is a staple item in Salvadoran homes for coffee service.
Look, I left a piece of quesadilla on the paila for you to eat with your coffee (in El Salvador, a quesadilla is a sweet, dense cake made with cheese).
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Refers to any kind of plastic or metal container or bin used at home to store food, pack lunch, or hold grains. These containers come in various colors and sizes and usually have a lid. (In Honduras, this is the standard term for what many call Tupperware).
Tomorrow I have to take my chicken and fried green bananas in a paila because I will not be able to come home for lunch.
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A tool similar to a machete, characterized by a wide, thin blade and a short handle about a foot long. It is used primarily during the sugar harvest (zafra) to cut cane.
Grab the paila and get your boots on, we have to work the cane field hard today.
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A common Honduran term for a pickup truck or specifically the open cargo bed in the back. It is used throughout the country to identify this type of work vehicle.
Hop in the paila with the rest of the guys since there is no more room inside the cab.
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A slang term used to describe something that is bad, sucks, or is unpleasant. It is also used to indicate that someone is out of luck or that a situation is hopeless.
What a paila math class, that dude fell and he was pailas.
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To be broke, in a tough spot, or feeling down. It is used to describe a negative situation where things are going poorly or someone is out of luck.
I can't go out today, I don't have anything to spend, I am Paila; no, man, you are in a really Paila spot with that relationship.
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The name used in the Dominican Republic for cooking pots, synonymous with a caldero (a heavy-duty, deep pot typically used for cooking rice).
Today I cooked a big paila of rice and pigeon peas.
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In Puerto Rico, a large bucket or tub, usually five gallons, used to hold paint or roof sealant for construction and home improvement. It is the standard bulk size for big jobs.
I went to the hardware store and took advantage of the sale to buy a paila of sealant, because the roof already has several leaks.
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Slang used to tell someone they are out of luck, that a situation is hopeless, or that they have already lost.
You are Paila now kid, they already stole your hat.
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A serving or portion of food (referring to the shallow, round pan typically used to cook and serve the meal).
I want a Paila of rice.
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A large iron vat used in traditional sugar mills to boil sugarcane juice. It is placed directly over a wood fire so the liquid evaporates and turns into thick syrup (a trapiche is a mill used to process sugarcane).
You wouldn't believe how hot it is standing next to that Paila while the sugarcane syrup thickens.
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A heavy, deep cooking pot or cauldron found in various sizes, used specifically for cooking rice. (In Panama, these pots are typically made of cast aluminum and are a staple in every kitchen).
Hey, Maria, how did you let the paila burn?
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A wristwatch. It also refers to a large cooking pot or cauldron.
They stole my paila at the beach. A nice big paila of duck with rice.
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