manilla
lowtechnical/specialist (paper/tobacco); historical/archaeological (currency)
Definition
Meaning
A strong, coarse brown paper, originally made from old Manila hemp ropes; also refers to a type of cigar wrapper or a yellow-brown colour.
In historical/archaeological contexts, it can refer to a form of bracelet or ring made of copper or brass used as a form of currency in West Africa. Also refers to the paper folder/container used for documents.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
This word has distinct, largely unrelated meanings across different domains (paper, colour, currency). The spelling 'manilla' (double 'l') is standard for the paper/colour and the currency. 'Manila' (single 'l') is a variant spelling for the paper and is the standard spelling for the capital of the Philippines.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The variant spelling 'Manila' (single 'l') for the paper is somewhat more common in American English, but 'manilla' is also used.
Connotations
Neutral technical/historical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties. Most commonly encountered in specific industries (stationery, printing, tobacco) or historical texts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[made] of manilla[wrap/package/file] in manilla[trade/exchange] with manillasVocabulary
Synonyms
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the standard, sturdy paper folder used for documents: 'File the contracts in the manilla folder.'
Academic
In archaeology/history: 'Manillas were a key form of currency in the pre-colonial West African slave trade.'
Everyday
Rare. Might be used when referring to a specific type of envelope or paper colour.
Technical
In philately: a 'manilla' is a specific kind of early postal cover made of this paper. In tobacco: a type of cigar wrapper leaf.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- He handed me a manilla folder containing the report.
- The walls were painted a dull manilla colour.
American English
- She filed the application in a manila envelope.
- The vintage photo had faded to a manila hue.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher gave us a manilla folder for our drawings.
- Important documents are often kept in strong manilla envelopes.
- The museum displayed a collection of brass manillas used as currency centuries ago.
- Philatelists value early colonial 'manillas', the precursors to modern envelopes, for their historical postmarks.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Manila folder, but it's filled with old, strong rope (the original hemp material) and some brass bracelets – that's the 'LL' in manilla holding the extra meanings.
Conceptual Metaphor
STRENGTH/DURABILITY (paper) and VALUE/EXCHANGE (currency).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'Манила' (the city), though they share an etymological root. The city is 'Манила', the paper/currency is often transliterated as 'манилла' or described as 'крафт-бумага' (kraft paper) or 'браслет-деньги'.
- The colour meaning may be loosely translated as 'желтовато-коричневый'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as 'manila' (though this is often an accepted variant for the paper).
- Confusing it exclusively with the capital city.
- Assuming it is a high-frequency word with one clear meaning.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'manilla' LEAST likely to be used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Manilla' with two 'l's is the standard spelling for the paper, colour, and historical currency. 'Manila' with one 'l' is a common variant for the paper/colour and is the only correct spelling for the capital city of the Philippines.
Originally, it was made from Manila hemp (abacá). Modern 'manilla paper' or 'manila folders' are typically made from wood pulp or recycled paper, but retain the name and the characteristic strength and buff colour.
Manillas were horseshoe-shaped objects made of copper or brass, produced mainly in Europe and used as a form of money and for adornment in West Africa, particularly from the 16th to the early 20th century, notably in the slave trade.
No, it is a low-frequency word. Most English speakers will know 'manila folder' but may not be aware of the spelling variants or the historical meaning. The currency meaning is known only in specialist historical or archaeological contexts.