amici per la pelle
The English phrase "ride or die" can be translated into Italian as amici per la pelle.
The phrase amici per la pelle is used to describe inseparable and extremely loyal friends who stay by your side through any difficulty.
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, amici per la pelle translates to "friends for the skin".
How does it change in a sentence?
The form changes based on the gender and number of the people you are describing. Use amica per la pelle to refer to a single female "ride or die", and use amiche per la pelle to refer to a group of female "ride or die" friends.
Did you know?
- While amici per la pelle focuses on closeness, Italians use the word complice to describe a 'ride or die' friend when the loyalty involves keeping secrets or getting into trouble together.
- If an Italian wants to describe a loyalty that is even deeper than amici per la pelle, they might use fratello di sangue, meaning 'blood brother', even if there is no actual biological relation.
- The word pelle shares an ancient root with the English word 'pelt', as both originate from the Proto-Indo-European root *pel- meaning to cover or wrap.
Examples in context
- Siamo amici per la pelle da una vita.We have been ride or die friends for a lifetime.
- Non posso fidarmi di chiunque, solo di voi che siete amici per la pelle.I can't trust anyone, except for you all who are ride or die.
Example conversation
Two friends are reminiscing about their long history together in a cafe.
- AlessandroTi ricordi quando abbiamo iniziato a frequentarci?Do you remember when we first started hanging out?
- MartinaSì, eravamo già amici per la pelle allora.Yes, we were already ride or die back then.
- AlessandroSempre insieme in ogni situazione difficile.Always together through every difficult situation.
- MartinaEsatto, la nostra amicizia è speciale.Exactly, our friendship is special.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries la, pelle, per, CC BY-SA 4.0.
