arancini
The English phrase 'arancini' is used in Italian to refer to deep-fried rice balls, typically filled with ragu and topped with breadcrumbs.
What does it mean word for word?
The word arancini is the plural form of arancino, which literally means 'little oranges'. This name comes from the food's resemblance to the fruit.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Sicily, arancini is the term used for these rice balls, although a linguistic debate exists because some regions use the feminine form arancine for the same dish.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form of the word is arancino.
Did you know?
- In Sicily, the shape of the rice ball often indicates the gender of the word used. Conical shapes are traditionally arancini and round shapes are arancine.
- In some parts of Sicily, arancini are traditionally eaten to celebrate the feast of Saint Lucy, where wheat-based foods are consumed instead of bread.
- The debate over whether to use the masculine arancini or feminine arancine is so fierce in Sicily that it is jokingly called a 'linguistic war'.
Examples in context
- Gli arancini sono caldi e croccanti.The arancini are hot and crunchy.
- Vorrei ordinare due arancini al ragù.I would like to order two ragu arancini.
- Questi arancini sono molto buoni.These arancini are very good.
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are at a street food stall in Sicily.
- GiuliaAlessandro, cosa vuoi mangiare?Alessandro, what do you want to eat?
- AlessandroPrendo un paio di arancini.I'll have a couple of arancini.
- GiuliaOttima scelta, sono buonissimi!Great choice, they are delicious!
- AlessandroHai ragione, Giulia.You are right, Giulia.
