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estropajo

scouring pad

noun ehs-troh-PAH-hoh Rare

Origin: Probably from Arabic isfinak or from a Mozarabic root related to esparto grass.

Also means

loofah

Usage Note

Estropajo primarily means the rough pad or cloth used to scrub dishes or surfaces. Figuratively it is used in Spain to describe something or someone worn out and ragged — estar hecho un estropajo ('to be a complete wreck'). It should not be confused with fregona (mop) or esponja (sponge).

Examples

"Necesito un estropajo nuevo para fregar los platos."

Natural Translation

I need a new scouring pad to scrub the dishes.

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