Italian Word of the Day: Formicolio (swarm / pins and needles)

Formicolio is the word in Italian for both swarm and pins and needles. Being a masculine noun, it takes the following definite and indefinite articles: Before we attempt to explain the two very different meanings associated with this word, it is important to touch briefly upon its etymology. Formicolio can be traced back to the …

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Italian Word of the Day: Perdigiorno (slacker)

Do you know someone who sits around all day doing nothing? Then you could call him or her a perdigiorno in Italian! Perdigiorno, which is an invariable noun made up of the words perdere (to lose / to miss / to waste) and giorno (day), is used to describe both men and women who avoid …

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Italian Word of the Day: Poltrona (armchair)

Poltrona is the word for a large and comfortable seat, equipped with backrest and armrests. It derives from the archaic word poltro meaning bed. In English, the most common translation is armchair. Poltrona is a feminine noun, so it takes the following definite and indefinite articles: la poltronathe armchair una poltronaan armchair le poltronethe armchairs …

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Italian Word of the Day: Spigolo (corner / edge)

An important word to know if you have a baby or toddler wandering around the house is spigolo which means corner, angle or edge. It is used most frequently to talk about the edges of furniture (particularly tables), walls, boxes, and cubes. Spigolo is a masculine noun that begins with the consonants sp, so it …

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Italian Word of the Day: Grinta (grit / determination / scowl)

cover image with the word “grinta” and a boxer in the background

A person with a lot of courage and resolve can be described using the noun grinta in Italian. The closest equivalents are grit or determination in English, although other translations such as fighting spirit and drive may also work depending on the context. Unlike the vast majority of words in Italian, grinta derives, not from …

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Italian Word of the Day: Strafalcione (big mistake / clanger)

cover image with the word “strafalcione” and a woman worried in the background

Have you ever made a mistake so big that it has continued to haunt you over the years? Then strafalcione is the word for you! Because strafalcione is a masculine noun starting with the consonants st-, it takes the following definite and indefinite articles: lo strafalcionethe big mistakeuno strafalcionea big mistake gli strafalcionithe big mistakesdegli …

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