Sombrero
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- For the galaxy of the same name, see Sombrero Galaxy
A sombrero is a type of hat originating in Mexico. Sombreros usually have a somewhat high tip and a very wide brim, used for protection from the sun. Peasant sombreros are usually made of straw, while wealthier Hispanics wear sombreros made of felt. Cowboys of the American southwest later adopted the sombrero and modified it into the cowboy hat.
The word likely derives from the Spanish word sombra, meaning "shade" or "shadow." The English word "sombrero" is a loan word from Spanish, where the term is used to refer to any hat with a brim. Many Spanish speakers refer to what we call a sombrero as a "Mexican hat", (sombrero mexicano).
Mathematics
Various functions and distributions encountered in mathematics and the physical sciences show a peak within a depression when plotted, and are thus referred to as a "Mexican hat" on analogy with the shape of a sombrero.How to Wear
Most people who are not familiar with the sombrero wear it backwards. The tallest part goes on the back, while the longest part goes on the front to protect the face from the sunlight.
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