ragazzaccio
The Italian phrase for "naughty boy" is ragazzaccio.
ragazzaccio refers to a boy who is poorly behaved or frequently gets into trouble. While it can describe a boy who is genuinely troublesome, it is often used colloquially or affectionately to describe a "bad boy" or someone with a mischievous streak.
What does it mean word for word?
The word is formed by combining ragazzo (boy) with the pejorative suffix -accio (bad/naughty).
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of ragazzaccio is ragazzacci.
Did you know?
- In modern Italian cinema and literature, a ragazzaccio is often portrayed as a charming rogue or a 'bad boy' rather than a child who needs discipline.
- Unlike English, where 'naughty' can be used for adults in a suggestive way, ragazzaccio retains a strong link to youth or adolescence.
- While ragazzaccio describes a naughty boy, the opposite suffix -ino creates ragazzino, which refers to a small or cute boy.
Examples in context
- Ero un ragazzaccio.I was a naughty boy.This sentence is useful for describing one's own past behavior using ragazzaccio.Tatoeba #9918774 by Guybrush88, translation #255966 by CM
- L'energia di quel birbante è contagiosa!The energy of that rascal is contagious!
- Quel ragazzaccio rompe sempre i vetri.That naughty boy is always breaking windows.
- Non fare il ragazzaccio con i vicini.Don't be a naughty boy with the neighbors.
Example conversation
Martina tells Lorenzo about his younger brother's behavior.
- LorenzoHai visto cosa ha combinato tuo fratello?Did you see what your brother did?
- MartinaSì, è sempre stato un ragazzaccio.Yes, he has always been a naughty boy.
- LorenzoHa rotto un vaso in salotto!He broke a vase in the living room!
- MartinaLo so, non riesce mai a stare fermo.I know, he can never stay still.
Sources
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
