casita

[ kuh-see-tuh; Spanish kah-see-tah ]

noun

, plural ca·si·tas [k, uh, -, see, -t, uh, z, kah-, see, -tahs].

1. a small crude dwelling forming part of a shantytown inhabited by Mexican laborers in the southwestern United States.
2. a luxurious bungalow serving as private guest accommodations at a resort hotel, especially in the southwestern United States or Mexico.
3. (especially in the southwestern United States) a small house, especially one built alongside or as an addition to a larger main home.

Word History and Origins

Origin of casita¹

First recorded in 1920–25; from Latin American Spanish, Spanish, equivalent to cas(a) “house, home” (from Latin ) + -ita diminutive suffix

Example Sentences

We coalesced, making our way through L.A.; having drinks at Casita in Sherman Oaks; or going on morning bike rides through Griffith Park.

From Los Angeles Times

Sparrow Italia and La Casita at Driftwood, two other dining establishments at the famed hotel that were shuttered in February, were not included in the agreement and remain closed.

From Los Angeles Times

Six days later, hospitality operator Noble 33 announced it would close Sparrow Italia, Café Fig, Bar Magnolia, the Cafeteria and La Casita at Driftwood at the famed hotel, a historic building in downtown L.A. that for the last two decades built a following for its Mediterranean-inspired space and stylish dining rooms.

From Los Angeles Times

We were eating lunch at the elegant La Casita Mexicana in Bell with Ana Maria and their son, Miguel A. Santana, former chief administrative officer of Los Angeles and now head of the California Community Foundation.

From Los Angeles Times

Alejandro Gonzalez was in a dispute over payment for a trailer when an old Toyota Camry pulled up to the drive-through window of Mi Casita Purepecha, his San Bernardino restaurant, on Feb. 1.

From Los Angeles Times