scarpe con la zeppa
The English phrase platform shoes is translated into Italian as scarpe con la zeppa.
This phrase refers to shoes featuring a very thick sole that increases the wearer's height.
What does it mean word for word?
The word zeppa means wedge, which is the literal term used to describe the thick sole of these shoes.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses the singular noun zeppa (wedge) even when referring to a pair of shoes, translating literally to "shoes with the wedge".
Did you know?
- The word zeppa shares a common ancestor with the Dutch word kip, which refers to a plow-beam.
- In Italian, if you are trying to level a wobbly table, you might use a zeppa rather than a shoe. The word refers to any small wedge used to stabilize something, not just footwear.
- The term zeppa is used to describe a splinter or a small piece of wood. This connection between a fashion component and a physical injury or wood scrap is quite unexpected.
Examples in context
- In una sfilata di moda, molti modelli indossavano scarpe con la suola rialzata.During a fashion show, many models were wearing platform shoes.
- Le zeppe che hai comprato ieri sono molto belle!The platform shoes you bought yesterday are really beautiful!
- Mi piacciono molto le scarpe con la zeppa.I really like platform shoes.
- Quelle scarpe con la zeppa sono molto alte.Those platform shoes are very high.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are looking at clothes in a shop.
- GiuliaGuarda queste scarpe con la zeppa, sono bellissime!Look at these platform shoes, they are beautiful!
- FrancescoSì, ma sono un po' troppo alte per te.Yes, but they are a bit too high for you.
- GiuliaIn realtà le scarpe con la zeppa mi fanno sentire sicura.Actually, platform shoes make me feel confident.
- FrancescoSe ti piacciono, allora comprale.If you like them, then buy them.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries con, la, zeppa, CC BY-SA 4.0.
