bambinone
The English phrase "big baby" can be translated into Italian as bambinone.
The term is used to describe an adult or youth who is prone to immature behavior or exhibits childlike characteristics.
Meaning: Adult or youth prone to immature behavior associated with babies. (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed from bambino (baby/child) and the augmentative suffix -one, which is used to denote something large or big.
Which one should you use?
While bambinone is a standard way to say "big baby", the variation bambaccione has a slightly stronger connotation and may be used more humorously or mockingly.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes based on gender and number: use bambinona to refer to a female person acting like a big baby, and use the plural form bambinoni to refer to multiple big babies.
Did you know?
- Italian has a specific social phenomenon known as i bamboccioni. This refers to a generation of young adults who live at home with their parents long after graduation due to economic factors.
- While bambinone describes behavior, the term mammone describes a similar dynamic. It refers to a 'mother's boy' who remains overly attached to his parent well into adulthood.
- Contrary to English where 'big baby' is often an insult, bambinone can be used endearingly between romantic partners to describe a partner's playful or needy side.
Examples in context
- I bambini grandi a volte possono essere molto testardi.Big babies can sometimes be very stubborn.
- Marco si arrabbia sempre se non è il centro dell'attenzione. È proprio un bambinone!Marco always gets mad if he's not the center of attention. He's such a big baby!
- Non prendertela, solo un bambaccione come te si offende per un commento del genere!Don't take offense, only a big baby like you would get upset over such a comment!
- Non fare il bambinone per ogni sciocchezza.Don't act like a big baby over every little thing.
- È un vero bambinone quando ha un raffreddore.He is a real big baby when he has a cold.
- Smettila di comportarti da bambinone.Stop behaving like a big baby.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are arguing about a minor disagreement.
- AlessandroPerché sei così arrabbiato con me?Why are you so angry with me?
- MartinaPerché ti comporti proprio da bambinone!Because you are acting exactly like a big baby!
- AlessandroNon sono un bambinone, sono solo stanco.I am not a big baby, I am just tired.
- MartinaNon è una scusa, Alessandro.That is no excuse, Alessandro.
