borseggiatore
/bor.sed.d͡ʒaˈto.re/masculine
The English phrase 'pickpocket' is borseggiatore in Italian. Wiktionary also lists borsaiolo.
Meaning: one who steals from the pocket of a passerby (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| borseggiatore | /bor.sed.d͡ʒaˈto.re/ | masculine |
| borsaiolo | /bor.saˈjɔ.lo/ | masculine |
The term refers to a person who steals from the pockets of people passing by. You can also use the related verb borseggiare to describe the act of stealing in this manner.
What does it mean word for word?
The word borseggiatore comes from borsa, meaning bag or purse and the suffix -eggio which relates to the action of handling or using it.
Which one should you use?
borseggiatore is the standard term, whereas borsaiolo is a colloquial or informal way to say 'pickpocket'.
Related words
How does it change in a sentence?
To refer to a female pickpocket, use the feminine form borseggiatrice.
How do you pronounce it?
/bor.sed.dʒaˈto.re/. The word has 5 syllables, with the stress on the 4th syllable.
Did you know?
- While borseggiatore is the standard term, the suffix in borsaiolo is similar to those used for traditional artisans, like bottaio or calzolaio, making the term sound almost like a professional trade.
- In Italy, you might hear the term scippatore used instead of borseggiatore if the thief actually snatches a bag from your shoulder rather than picking a pocket.
- The word borsa is a distant relative of the English word 'purse', as both derive from the same Late Latin root for a leather pouch.
Examples in context
- Quel borseggiatore mi ha sfilato il portafoglio sulla metropolitana senza neanche accorgemene.That pickpocket lifted my wallet on the subway without me even noticing.This sentence illustrates how a borseggiatore might steal a wallet on the subway.Tatoeba #13878298 by Nuel, translation #13878297 by Nuel
- Mi hanno rubato il portafoglio, penso sia stato un borseggiatoreMy wallet was stolen, I think it was a pickpocket
- Mi ha scippato il telefono mentre ero distrattoHe/she snatched my phone while I was distracted
- Quel tipo è un borsaiolo espertoThat guy is an experienced pickpocket
- Attento a quel borseggiatore in piazza.Watch out for that pickpocket in the square.
- La polizia ha arrestato un borseggiatore ieri.The police arrested a pickpocket yesterday.
Example conversation
Giulia and Lorenzo are walking through a crowded market.
- GiuliaLorenzo, controlla subito la tua tasca!Lorenzo, check your pocket immediately!
- LorenzoPerché? È successo qualcosa?Why? Did something happen?
- GiuliaHo visto un borseggiatore avvicinarsi a te.I saw a pickpocket approaching you.
- LorenzoGrazie mille per l'avvertimento, Giulia.Thanks a lot for the warning, Giulia.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “pickpocket” translations and entries borseggiatore, borsaiolo, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
