zampe di gallina
The English phrase "chicken legs" can be translated into Italian as zampe di gallina.
The phrase zampe di gallina literally refers to the anatomical limbs of a chicken. However, it is also used figuratively as an idiom to describe "crow's feet," which are the fine lines or wrinkles that appear around the eyes.
Which one should you use?
There is a distinction between anatomical or figurative use and culinary use. Use zampe di gallina for the limbs or the wrinkles around the eyes, but use cosce di pollo when you are referring to chicken legs as a cut of meat for cooking.
Did you know?
- In some regional Italian dialects, the term zampe di gallina can be used to describe a messy or illegible style of handwriting that looks like scratched lines.
- In Italian culture, calling someone una gallina can imply they are a coward, adding a layer of irony when discussing zampe di gallina.
- The figurative use of zampe di gallina for wrinkles is so common that you will find it used as a technical term in Italian skincare and beauty advertisements.
Examples in context
- Mi piace cucinare le cosciotte di pollo alla brace durante l'estate.I enjoy grilling chicken legs during the summer.
- Ho comprato un chilo di gambe di pollo per fare un gustoso brodo.I bought a kilogram of chicken legs to make a tasty broth.
- Prepariamo le gambette di pollo al forno per la cena stasera.Let's make oven-baked chicken legs for dinner tonight.
Example conversation
Giulia and Alessandro are cleaning the backyard.
- GiuliaAlessandro, guarda! Ci sono delle zampe di gallina qui.Alessandro, look! There are some chicken legs here.
- AlessandroChe schifo! Da dove arrivano?How gross! Where did they come from?
- GiuliaForse il gatto ha portato le zampe di gallina.Maybe the cat brought the chicken legs.
- AlessandroDobbiamo pulire tutto subito.We need to clean everything right away.
