parolaccia
The English phrase "bad word" is translated into Italian as parolaccia.
parolaccia is a noun used to refer to a vulgar word. To describe the act of swearing or using such language, the standard expression is dire una parolaccia (to say a bad word).
Meaning: vulgar word (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word parolaccia is a compound of parola, meaning "word" and the suffix -accia, which is a pejorative suffix used to denote something bad, ugly or unpleasant.
How does it change in a sentence?
The singular form is parolaccia, while the plural form is parolacce.
Did you know?
- In Italy, using a bestemmia is considered far more severe than a standard parolaccia and can even result in a fine in certain public administrative contexts.
- The word is built from parola, which shares a root with the English 'parole', used in legal contexts to refer to release on parole.
- The concept of 'bad words' in Italy is often linked to the 'dialetto' or regional dialects, where some of the most potent parolacce are not found in standard Italian.
Examples in context
- Ha detto una parolaccia.He said a bad word.This sentence shows how to use parolaccia to describe someone who has used a bad word.Tatoeba #14041179 by Guybrush88, translation #12673249 by anzart
- Accidenti!Darn!
- Che cavolo!What the heck!
- Che noia!How boring!
- Non dire una parolaccia.Don't say a bad word.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Martina and Lorenzo are talking about a movie.
- MartinaIl protagonista dice sempre una parolaccia!The main character always says a bad word!
- LorenzoSì, Lorenzo pensa che sia troppo.Yes, Lorenzo thinks it is too much.
- MartinaÈ un esempio pessimo per i bambini.It is a terrible example for children.
- LorenzoHai ragione, Martina.You are right, Martina.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries parolaccia, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
