* Spanish Roots: The word originates from the Spanish word "la reata," which means "the rope" or "the tether." This was a common term for the long rope used by Spanish cowboys (vaqueros) to catch cattle.
* English Adoption: The term was adopted into English during the 19th century, primarily in the American West. The "la" was dropped, and "reata" became "lariat."
* Variations: You might also see the word "riata" used. This is a direct translation of "la reata" and was sometimes used interchangeably with "lariat" in the past.
So, in essence, the word "lariat" is a direct descendant of the Spanish word for "the rope," reflecting the strong Spanish influence on cowboy culture and vocabulary in the American West.