zitella
/d͡ziˈtɛl.la/
The Italian phrase for 'old maid' is zitella.
The term zitella often carries a derogatory or mocking connotation similar to the English term 'old maid'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
zitella is an informal term. The masculine form zitellone is used colloquially to refer to a man perceived as a perpetual bachelor, though this is much less common than the feminine form.
How does it change in a sentence?
The plural form of zitella is zitelle. While zitella is the feminine form, zitellone is a colloquial masculine form.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 2nd syllable: /dziˈtɛl.la/.
Did you know?
- The root of zitella is the word zita, which was historically used to refer to a bride in certain Italian dialects.
- While zitella is often a jab, some women in Italy have reclaimed the term as a badge of independence and autonomy from patriarchal marriage expectations.
- The suffix -one in zitellone functions as an augmentative, making the word feel much heavier and more mocking when used against a man.
Examples in context
- Maria è una zitella molto gentile e rispettosa.Maria is a very kind and respectful old maid.
- Tra le sue amiche, Elena è sempre stata considerata una vecchia zitella simpatica.Among her friends, Elena has always been seen as a likable old maid.
- Marco ha scherzato con Linda, chiamandola affettuosamente "zitellona."Marco playfully teased Linda, affectionately calling her "old spinster."
- Non vorrei mai passare per una zitella.I would never want to be seen as an old maid.
- La chiamano sempre la solita zitella.They always call her the usual old maid.
- È diventata una zitella molto elegante.She has become a very elegant old maid.
Example conversation
Two friends are gossiping about a neighbor in a cafe.
- FrancescoHai sentito della signora Rossi?Did you hear about Mrs. Rossi?
- SofiaNo, cosa è successo?No, what happened?
- FrancescoDicono che sia una zitella ormai.They say she is an old maid by now.
- SofiaChe cattiveria, Francesco!How mean, Francesco!
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry zitella, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries zitella, CC BY-SA 4.0.
