statti mutu
To say "be quiet" in Sicilian, use statti mutu.
statti mutu is a command used to tell someone to stop talking or making noise.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of the verb statti (stay/remain) and the adjective mutu (silent/mute).
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
statti mutu is an informal command typically used with friends, children or people you know well.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In the city of Palermo, people might say Stai tranquillu to mean 'Stay quiet.'
Did you know?
- Despite the meaning 'be quiet', statti mutu can be used ironically in some Sicilian contexts to tell someone to stop acting too clever or arrogant.
- If you use the command statti mutu with a stranger, it can be perceived as much more aggressive and blunt than the English 'be quiet'.
- The word mutu is related to the English word 'mute', as both trace their ancestry back to the same Latin roots regarding silence.
Examples in context
- Statti mutu, pi favuri!Be quiet, please!
Example conversation
Giulia is trying to read a book while Calogero talks loudly.
- GiuliaCalogero, statti mutu un mumentu.Calogero, be quiet for a moment.
- CalogeroScusa, chi stava dicennu?Sorry, what was I saying?
- GiuliaNun importa, voglio leggere.It doesn't matter, I want to read.
- CalogeroVa bene, non dico più niente.All right, I won't say anything more.
