appiccicoso
/ap.pit.t͡ʃiˈko.zo/
The Italian word for clingy is appiccicoso.
The term is used metaphorically to describe a person who is emotionally "sticky" or won't leave someone alone, just as a physical object might stick to you. It is used to describe someone who is possessive over another person.
Meaning: possessive over another person (adj)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, appiccicoso means "sticky" in a physical sense, such as a surface covered in glue.
How does it change in a sentence?
The adjective must agree in gender and number with the person being described. Use appiccicosa for a woman, appiccicosi for a group of men or a mixed-gender group and appiccicose for a group of women.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ap.pit.tʃiˈko.zo/. It has 5 syllables and the stress is on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- The root verb appiccicare is often used in the phrase appiccicare una colpa, which means to pin the blame on someone else.
- In Italian, you can describe a humid or oppressive summer day as appiccicoso to convey that the air feels sticky on the skin.
- In a romantic context, calling a partner appiccicosa can be a much harsher criticism than the English 'clingy', often implying a lack of personal space or independence.
Examples in context
- Perché è così appiccicoso?Why are you so clingy?This sentence uses appiccicoso to ask why someone is behaving in a clingy manner.Tatoeba #8013016 by Guybrush88, translation #4135589 by Lepotdeterre
- Pensi che io sia troppo appiccicoso o esigente?Do you think I’m too clingy or demanding?This sentence uses appiccicoso to ask for an opinion on being too clingy or demanding.Tatoeba #13632795 by Nuel, translation #13632794 by Nuel
- Maria è molto appiccicosa, non mi lascia mai in pace!Maria is very clingy, she never leaves me alone!
- Luca non capisce gli spazi personali, è troppo insistente!Luca doesn't understand personal space, he is too clingy!
- Andrea è davvero appiccicoso, non mi lascia in pace neanche per un secondo!Andrea is really clingy, he doesn't leave me alone for a second!
- Non voglio sembrare troppo appiccicoso con lei.I don't want to seem too clingy with her.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Alessandro and Martina are talking about a friend's new relationship.
- AlessandroHai visto come sta con il suo ragazzo?Have you seen how she is with her boyfriend?
- MartinaSì, lui è davvero molto appiccicoso.Yes, he is really very clingy.
- AlessandroNon le lascia mai un momento di libertà.He never gives her a moment of freedom.
- MartinaSpero che lei non si stanchi presto.I hope she doesn't get tired of it soon.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry appiccicoso, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
