capatosta
The English phrase "hard head" translates to Sicilian as capatosta.
The term capatosta is used to describe a person who is stubborn and refuses to change their mind.
What does it mean word for word?
This word is a compound of capa, meaning "head" and tosta, meaning "hard" or "tough".
Did you know?
- The term is often used to create permanent nicknames. In many Sicilian communities, instead of a surname, a person might be known simply by a compound like capatosta to denote a defining personality trait.
- A person described as capatosta might be paired with the gesture of tapping one's own forehead to emphasize the physical 'hardness' of the skull.
- While capatosta is often a criticism, it can be used as a compliment to describe someone with an unbreakable will and great resilience in the face of hardship.
Examples in context
- Viènni, catarazzu! Lassa perdiri!Come on, hard head! Let it go!
- È proprio un capatosta.He is truly a hard head.
- Non ascolta nisciunu, è na capatosta.She listens to no one, she is a hard head.
Example conversation
Giulia and Salvatore are discussing a stubborn relative.
- GiuliaTò frati nun cagna mai opinioni.Your brother never changes his mind.
- SalvatoreSì, è un capatosta.Yes, he is a hard head.
- GiuliaÈ canusciutu pi chissu.He is known for this.
- SalvatoreÈ veru, è diffìcili parlarci.It's true, it is difficult to talk to him.
