Manila Folders

Posted by ESC July 11, 2003In reply to Manila Folders posted by Susannah on July 11, 2003

Hm, does anyone know where the term "manila folders" comes from? Were they originally made in Manila?

They were once made from manila paper. From Merriam-Webster online:

Main Entry: manila paper
Function: noun
Usage: often capitalized M
Date: 1873

a strong and durable paper of a brownish or buff color and smooth finish made originally from Manila hemp