sceccu
/ˈʃɛkku/masculine
The Sicilian word for donkey is sceccu.
sceccu refers to the domestic animal, which is also known as an ass.
Meaning: a domestic animal (noun)
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine form is sceccu, while the feminine form for a female donkey is scecca.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈʃɛkku/
Did you know?
- The word sceccu is believed to have roots in Ottoman Turkish, specifically the word eşek, reflecting historical trade and influence in the Mediterranean.
- While sceccu is the name of the animal, it is also used as a common insult in Sicilian to describe someone who is particularly stubborn or foolish.
- Historically, the sceccu was the primary engine of the Sicilian economy, used for transporting sulfur from mines and hauling grapes in vineyards.
Examples in context
- U sceccu è sutta l'arvulu.The donkey is under the tree.
- Lu sceccu mangia l'erba.The donkey eats the grass.
Example conversation
Antonio and Agata are standing near a farm gate.
- AntonioAgata, varda chiddu sceccu!Agata, look at that donkey!
- AgataÈ assai beddu, Antoniu.It is very beautiful, Antonio.
- AntonioÈ stancu e voli riposari.He is tired and wants to rest.
- AgataÈ veru, havi fattu assai travagghiu.It's true, he has done a lot of work.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “donkey” translations and entries sceccu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries sceccu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
