scatenarsi
To kick up your heels in Italian is scatenarsi.
The expression scatenarsi is used to convey the idea of letting loose and having a blast. However, it is also frequently used to describe a natural force or an emotion, such as a storm or anger, breaking loose.
How does it change in a sentence?
scatenarsi is an intransitive reflexive verb.
Did you know?
- The root of scatenarsi comes from 'catena', which means 'chain'. Literally, you are 'unchaining' yourself from all restraints.
- In a sports context, an Italian commentator might use scatenarsi to describe a player who is playing with an unstoppable, high-energy momentum.
- The opposite of scatenarsi is incatenare, which means to chain up. This creates a linguistic pair where one word is about restraint and the other is about total liberation.
Examples in context
- Durante la festa di compleanno, ci siamo scatenati ballando e ridendo fino alle prime luci dell'alba.During the birthday party, we kicked up our heels, dancing and laughing until dawn.
- Durante il Carnevale di Viareggio, i partecipanti danno sfogo alla gioia ballando, cantando e divertendosi.During the Carnival of Viareggio, participants kick up their heels by dancing, singing, and having fun.
- Stasera in discoteca ci scateniamo!We're going to let loose at the club tonight!
Example conversation
Martina and Alessandro are at a music festival.
- MartinaLa musica è fantastica, Alessandro!The music is fantastic, Alessandro!
- AlessandroSì, è il momento di scatenarsi!Yes, it is time to kick up our heels!
- MartinaHai ragione, balliamo tutta la notte!You're right, let's dance all night!
- AlessandroAndiamo, Martina, divertiamoci!Come on, Martina, let's have fun!
