Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| imbroglione | /im.broʎˈʎo.ne/ | masculine |
| truffatore | /truf.faˈto.re/ | masculine |
| pelagatti | masculine |
The term is used to describe a person who is untrustworthy or someone who uses tricks and deceits in everyday life, often acting as a trickster or swindler.
Which one should you use?
While imbroglione refers to a general trickster or someone who uses deceits, truffatore is a more serious term specifically used for a swindler or fraudster who commits actual fraud or financial scams. Additionally, the word furbetto can be used to describe someone who is sly, cunning or crafty, often in a negative sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular form is imbroglione. To refer to a female cheater, use imbrogliona. For a group of male or mixed-gender cheaters, use the masculine plural imbroglioni.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /im.broʎˈʎo.ne/.
Did you know?
- The colorful term pelagatti literally translates to 'skin cats' and is used for those who dodge responsibilities or cheat their way out of duties.
- Italian uses the word furbizia for the quality of being 'cunning', which can be viewed as a positive skill or a negative trait depending on the context.
- The word imbroglione shares a common root with the English word 'embroil', as both stem from the idea of things being tangled or confused.
Examples in context
- Ammetto che il cileno medio è un discreto imbroglione.I admit that the average Chilean is quite a cheater.This sentence uses imbroglione to describe someone as a cheater.Tatoeba #4723900 by Guybrush88, translation #1706549 by marcelostockle
- Mario è un imbroglione, non fidarti di lui!Mario is a cheater, don't trust him!
- Quel tipo è un imbroglione.That guy is a cheater.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Chiara are discussing a person they met at a party.
- LorenzoHai parlato con quel ragazzo?Did you talk to that guy?
- ChiaraSì, ma mi sembra un imbroglione.Yes, but he seems like a cheater to me.
- LorenzoLo sapevo, è un imbroglione palese.I knew it, he is an obvious cheater.
- ChiaraMeglio stare lontani da lui.Better to stay away from him.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “cheater” translations and entries imbroglione, truffatore, pelagatti, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries imbroglione, pelagatti, truffatore, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
