bacchettone
The English phrase 'holy roller' can be translated into Italian as bacchettone.
While 'holy roller' in English can refer to someone exhibiting ecstatic religious behavior, the Italian term bacchettone is more commonly used to mock someone for being a self-righteous moralist or a killjoy.
Meaning: member of any Christian church characterized by ecstatic behaviour (noun)
Did you know?
- The term bacchettone is derived from the word bacchetta, meaning 'little stick'. It evokes the image of someone waving a stick to discipline others or a person 'hitting' others with their moral standards.
- In Italian, the diminutive suffix '-one' in bacchettone actually functions as an augmentative, meaning 'big stick', making the term 'big stick-man'.
- The feminine form bacchettona specifically evokes the cultural stereotype of the strict aunt or grandmother who polices the family's behavior.
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are discussing a new acquaintance.
- FrancescoHai conosciuto il nuovo vicino, Sofia?Did you meet the new neighbor, Sofia?
- SofiaSì, ma è un bacchettone incredibile.Yes, but he is an incredible holy roller.
- FrancescoDavvero? Cosa ha fatto?Really? What did he do?
- SofiaHa iniziato a gridare durante la preghiera.He started shouting during the prayer.
