rincoglionito
/rin.koʎ.ʎoˈni.to/
The English phrase "bonkers" can be translated into Italian as rincoglionito. Wiktionary also lists barbogio.
Meaning: mad, crazy (adj)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA |
|---|---|
| rincoglionito | /rin.koʎ.ʎoˈni.to/ |
| barbogio | /barˈbɔ.d͡ʒo/ |
The terms are used to describe someone as mad or crazy.
How does it change in a sentence?
The word rincoglionito changes based on gender and number: the feminine form is rincoglionita and the masculine plural form is rincoglioniti.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable. The IPA is /rin.koʎ.ʎoˈni.to/.
Did you know?
- The term rincoglionito is derived from coglione, which is the Italian word for 'testicle'.
- The word rincoglionito is much more vulgar than the English 'bonkers'. While 'bonkers' is often used playfully or harmlessly, calling someone rincoglionito is a heavy insult that implies they have lost their wits due to stupidity or age.
- While 'bonkers' is an adjective in English, the Italian verb form rincoglionire can be used to describe the process of making someone lose their senses. You could say a situation is rincoglionente, meaning it is 'crazy-making' or driving you mad.
Examples in context
- Sembra pazzo!He seems bonkers!
- La sua decisione è insensata!His decision is bonkers!
- Quello è matto come una capra!He's as bonkers as a goat!
- Ma che pazzo!What a bonkers person!
- Quel vecchio è un po' rincoglionito.That old man is a bit bonkers.
Example conversation
Sofia and Matteo are talking about a strange neighbor.
- SofiaHai visto il nostro vicino?Have you seen our neighbor?
- MatteoSì, è proprio rincoglionito.Yes, he is really bonkers.
- SofiaParla sempre da solo.He is always talking to himself.
- MatteoÈ incredibile, Matteo!It's unbelievable, Matteo!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bonkers” translations and entries rincoglionito, barbogio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
