"Pana" meaning "washcloth" or "facecloth"?

Question

My husband and I recently had the opportunity to host two students of Spanish from a well-known college in Illinois. One of the girls forgot her washcloth here, and when I returned it to her later she said "Oh, this is my favorite "pana"! Since we frequently sprinkled our conversation with Spanish words, I interpreted "pana" as meaning "washcloth" in this instance.

I have never heard "pana" as used for "washcloth". In fact, to my knowledge, washcloths are not very common in Spanish speaking countries, and I have usually heard native speakers refer to them as "trapos/toaliitas para lavarse la cara" or something along those lines.

Is "pana" is for "washcloth in some countries?

Gracias de antemano.

Answer 1

I've heard paño para lavarse/la cara

Answer 2

It´s most likely taken from "Pañuelo."

Answer 3

No, es simplemente una palabra usada en la jerga de algunos paises de centro America.

"Pana", puede significar "amigo, compadre, comadre (female form of "compadre"), camarada, etc...".

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No, simply is a word used in the slang of some countries of central america.

"Pana", can means "amigo, compadre, comadre (female form of "compadre"), camarada, etc...".