tnalja

Maltese

Etymology

Probably borrowed from Italian tenaglia. Compare Sicilian tinagghia.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈtnal.ja/

Noun

tnalja f (plural tnalji)

1. a pair of pincers, pliers, tongs
   • ca. 1995, “Ħafna xogħol ma jgħoddx għalina”, performed by Amanda Bugeja:

     Hawn min s’issa qatt ma żbalja,
     Qatt ma miss martell jew tnalja.

     Here are some who’ve never erred so far,
     And have never touched a hammer or a pair of pincers.

See also

• pinzetta (“tweezers, forceps”)