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(Drink) Coaster and Cup Holder

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Bobbert
January 17, 2026, 07:09 PM
I’m noticing that some countries say portavasos for (drink) coasters and posavasos for cup holders. And then I see that it is completely the opposite in other countries. Therefore, I would like to know:

What word Mexico uses for a (drink) coaster (A small, flat or tray-like object on which a bottle, cup, glass, mug, etc., is placed to protect a table surface from drink spills, heat, or water condensation).

What word Mexico uses for a cup holder (A holder for a cup containing a drink, usually in a vehicle).

AngelicaDeAlquezar
January 17, 2026, 11:28 PM
I would say "portavasos" in both cases.
"Posavasos" sounds foreign, but it will be understood in context. :)

Bobbert
January 18, 2026, 10:44 AM
Thank you, AngelicaDeAlquezar.

aleCcowaN
January 18, 2026, 02:55 PM
Posavasos is used in Argentina for the common flat coaster designed to avoid leaving wet circumferences all over the glass, lacquered or polished furniture. If you want to carry them also (portarlos), try the little plates that make a set with the china cups for tea or coffe.

On the other hand, portavasos is the concave shaped part of any piece of furniture or console, designed to prevent glasses or cans from being knocked over by sudden manoeuvres or trying to grab the container while looking elsewhere, like while driving a car or playing with a computer.

Bobbert
January 18, 2026, 04:48 PM
Thank you, aleCcowaN, for adding how these words are used in Argentina.