Testone
The English phrase 'big head' can be translated into Italian as Testone, referring to a stubborn person.
In Italian, the term is used to describe a person who is stubborn and refuses to change their mind. While Testone acts as a noun to label a person, the standard adjective for 'stubborn' is testardo.
What does it mean word for word?
The word Testone is a compound of testa (head) and the augmentative suffix -one, which means big or large.
Which one should you use?
Testone is used as a noun to label a person, whereas testardo is the standard adjective used to describe someone as stubborn.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word changes gender to match the person being described: use the feminine form testona to refer to a stubborn woman.
Did you know?
- The word testone was once the name of a large silver coin minted in Venice starting in the 15th century. Its name came from the large portrait of a head featured on the coin's face.
- The augmentative suffix -one found in testone is also used to create the word polpettone, which refers to a large meatloaf but is used metaphorically to describe a boring or overlong movie or book.
- In Italian, the suffix -one doesn't just mean 'big'. When added to people, it can turn a neutral trait into a caricature or a term of affection, making testone sound more like a 'big stubborn goof' than a serious insult.
Examples in context
- Lui ha una testa grossa.He has a big head.
- Che testone!What a big head!
- È un vero capoccione!Real big head
- Che testone questo ragazzo, sembra ingombrare tutta la stanza!What a big head this guy has, it seems to fill up the whole room!
- Non ascoltare quel testone.Don't listen to that big head.
- È un vero testone, non cambia mai idea.He is a real big head, he never changes his mind.
- Smettila di fare il testone!Stop being such a big head!
Example conversation
Giulia is trying to convince Matteo to change his mind about a plan.
- GiuliaCambia idea, per favore!Change your mind, please!
- MatteoNo, sono convinto di questo.No, I am convinced of this.
- GiuliaSei sempre un testone, Matteo!You are always such a big head, Matteo!
- MatteoLo so, ma ho ragione io.I know, but I am right.
