cucù
/kuˈku/
The English phrase "peek-a-boo" is translated into Italian as cucù.
cucù is used as the name of the children's game where a person hides their face and then suddenly reveals it. It is also used as the specific exclamation made at the exact moment the face is revealed to the baby.
How do you pronounce it?
/kuˈku/
Did you know?
- The word cucù is an onomatopoeia for the call of the cuckoo bird. It is used for the game because the bird is often hidden in foliage when it is heard.
- Unlike the English 'peek-a-boo' which can be used by adults as a metaphor for something being hidden, cucù remains almost exclusively a literal, childish exclamation.
- In some Italian regions, parents might combine cucù with the phrase dove sei? meaning 'where are you?' to turn the game into a rhythmic call and response.
Examples in context
- Facciamo cucù con il bambino?Shall we play peek-a-boo with the baby?
- Il piccolo ride quando diciamo cucù.The little one laughs when we say peek-a-boo.
- Adoro giocare a cucù con lui.I love playing peek-a-boo with him.
Example conversation
Alessandro and Giulia are playing with their baby in the living room.
- AlessandroGuarda, il bambino vuole giocare a cucù!Look, the baby wants to play peek-a-boo!
- GiuliaSì, è così divertente per lui.Yes, it is so much fun for him.
- AlessandroCucù! Vedi come sorride?Peek-a-boo! Do you see how he smiles?
- GiuliaÈ bellissimo, Alessandro.It's beautiful, Alessandro.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry cucù, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries cucù, CC BY-SA 4.0.
