-eta is a diminutive-
Norma,
Yes, it's a small bus, like a van. I have been in them many times in Colombia.
From a grammatical perspective one can see the relation because -eta is a diminutive. Ironically, I don't recall hearing the word in Colombia.
Other examples to show the diminutive -eta:
la avioneta- small airplane (from el avión)
la camioneta- van (the word for van in some Spanish-speaking countries from el camión)
la isleta- islet (from la isla)
*la camiseta (t-shirt) (from la camisa)
* As well, a regionalism for la camiseta is la franela. That's the word for t-shirt used in Venezuela. I remember when I was in Margarita Island, a lady was talking about buying 'franelas' good thing she was pointing to them as an example because I had no clue what she was referring to. I was thinking of the material.
From the RAE-
franela.
(Del fr. flanelle).
3. f. Ven. camiseta (‖ prenda interior).
The diversity in Spanish is endless and this is the point I keep trying to emphasize in this forum. No need to limit yourself.
-LDG.
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