picciriddu
The English word 'baby' is translated into Sicilian as picciriddu.
picciriddu refers to a very young human being. While it can be used to mean a baby, it is very commonly used as a colloquial term for any small child or young person, such as a little one or a kid.
Meaning: very young human being (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is a diminutive form of picciru, which means 'small' or 'little'.
Which one should you use?
You may use bambinu specifically to mean 'baby' and picciriddu to refer to an infant. For a more informal way to say 'kiddo', use pituzzu.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
picciriddu is a colloquial term. For informal affectionate terms, you can use pituzzu for 'kiddo' or the feminine picciridda for 'sweetheart'.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Western Sicilian, the term bambineddu is used.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular masculine form is picciriddu. The feminine singular form is picciridda, which can mean 'little girl' or 'sweetheart'. The plural form is picciriddi, meaning 'little children'.
Did you know?
- The term picciriddu is so versatile that it can be used as a term of endearment for a romantic partner, much like the English 'baby' or 'honey'.
- Sicilian uses a distinct set of diminutive suffixes, like the one in picciriddu, to express not just size but also an emotional sense of tenderness.
- In some contexts, picciriddu can be used ironically to describe someone who is naive or inexperienced in the ways of the world.
Examples in context
- Allora, picciridda, vieni a trovare nonna!So, sweetheart, come visit grandma!
- U picciriddu dormi.The baby is sleeping.
- Hai un bellu picciriddu.You have a beautiful baby.
- Iddu è un picciriddu.He is a baby.
Example conversation
Calogero and Giulia are visiting a friend's house.
- CalogeroChi beddu picciriddu!What a beautiful baby!
- GiuliaGrazzi, Calogero, è veru.Thanks, Calogero, it is true.
- CalogeroComu si chiama?What is his name?
- GiuliaSi chiama Francesco.His name is Francesco.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry picciriddu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
