sùrici
/ˈsu.ɾi.ʃi/masculine, alternative form
The Sicilian word for mouse is sùrici, which refers to the rodent of the genus Mus. Wiktionary also lists surci.
Meaning: rodent of the genus Mus (noun)
Ways to say it
| Sicilian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| sùrici | /ˈsu.ɾi.ʃi/ | masculine, alternative form |
| surci | /ˈsuɾ.t͡ʃɪ/ | masculine |
Which one should you use?
surci is the masculine singular form, while sùrici is the plural form. Note that sùrici also appears in some contexts as an alternative spelling for the singular form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of the masculine noun surci is sùrici.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈsu.ɾi.ʃi/.
Did you know?
- If you are looking for the word for a computer mouse in Sicily, you will likely not use surci, but rather the English loanword 'mouse' or the Italian 'mouse'.
- The Latin root 'sōrex' of surci is actually more closely related to the word for a 'shrew' than a typical 'house mouse' in classical biological classifications.
- In Sicilian, calling someone a sùrici can sometimes imply they are shy or timid, similar to the English 'mousey'.
Examples in context
- Chistu sùrici è picciriddu.This mouse is small.
Example conversation
Maria and Calogero are cleaning the attic.
- MariaCalogero, guarda! Un sùrici!Calogero, look! A mouse!
- CalogeroUnni è? Nunu u viu.Where is it? I don't see it.
- MariaÈ suttu a sta scatula!It is under this box!
- CalogeroScappa, sùrici, va' via!Run, mouse, go away!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “mouse” translations and entries sùrici, surci, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries surci, CC BY-SA 4.0.
