What is colitas?

"Colitas" is a term famously known from the song "Hotel California" by the Eagles, released in 1976. The word appears in the line "Warm smell of colitas, rising up through the air." There has been much speculation about the meaning of "colitas," as it is not a common English word.

The term "colitas" is derived from Spanish. In Spanish, "colita" is the diminutive form of "cola," which means "tail." In various contexts, it can be used to mean "little tails." However, in the context of the song, it is widely believed to be a colloquial reference to the buds of the cannabis plant, particularly in Mexican slang, where "colitas" can refer to the part of the marijuana plant that is smoked.

The use of the word enhances the song's imagery and adds to the overall sense of mystery and intrigue that characterizes "Hotel California." Beyond this famous reference, "colitas" does not have a broad usage in English and is often specifically associated with the song.