The Spanish word 'hatajo' comes from combining the word 'hato' (meaning 'herd' or 'group') with the suffix '-ajo', which has diminutive or pejorative connotations. The base word 'hato' itself comes from the Arabic word 'ḥaẓẓ' (حَظّ), which meant 'portion' or 'share'. The suffix '-ajo' evolved from the Latin suffix '-aculum', which was used to form diminutives or instrumental nouns. When combined, 'hatajo' refers to a small herd or group, often with a somewhat negative or dismissive connotation.

A simpler and more common Spanish word related to 'hatajo' is 'hato', which means 'herd' or 'group'. While 'hato' is a neutral term for any group or herd, 'hatajo' adds the diminutive/pejorative suffix '-ajo' to create a more specific meaning of a small or somewhat disparagingly viewed group.

While there aren't any commonly used English words directly related to 'hatajo' through its Arabic or Latin roots, English speakers might find it helpful to think of how adding diminutive suffixes can change the tone of a word, similar to how English uses '-let' (as in 'piglet') or '-ling' (as in 'duckling') to indicate smallness, though '-ajo' often carries a more negative connotation.