sacco di merda
/ˈsak.ko di ˈmɛr.da/word by word
The English phrase 'scumbag' is translated into Italian as sacco di merda.
sacco di merda is used to describe a despicable person.
Meaning: despicable person (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
Literally, sacco di merda translates to 'bag of shit'.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
sacco di merda is highly vulgar and should be used only in very informal or aggressive contexts. For comparison, the informal term Stronzo is also a strong and vulgar term used to describe someone as unpleasant or despicable.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈsak.ko di ˈmɛr.da/. The word has 4 syllables and the stress is on the first syllable.
Did you know?
- In Italian theater culture, similar to English, artists sometimes use merda as a way to wish for a great performance.
- The core of the insult, merda, shares a common ancestor with the English word 'smear', as both trace back to an ancient root describing a foul stench.
- While sacco di merda is a vulgar insult, the word sacco can also be used in many common, non-offensive expressions, such as un sacco di meaning 'a lot of'.
Examples in context
- Il signore che ha truffato le persone lo considero un individuo infame.I consider the man who scammed people an infamous individual.
- Non parlo più con Luigi, è un vero figlio di puttana.I don't talk to Luigi anymore, he's a real scumbag.
- Quel tipo è un vero sacco di merda.That guy is a real scumbag.
- Non fidarti di lui, è un sacco di merda.Don't trust him, he's a scumbag.
- Si è comportato come un sacco di merda.He behaved like a scumbag.
Example conversation
Giulia and Francesco are talking about a dishonest ex-colleague.
- GiuliaHai saputo che Marco ha rubato i soldi?Did you hear that Marco stole the money?
- FrancescoLo sapevo, è un sacco di merda.I knew it, he's a scumbag.
- GiuliaFrancesco, non pensavo fosse così cattivo.Francesco, I didn't think he was that bad.
- FrancescoPurtroppo è proprio un sacco di merda.Unfortunately, he really is a scumbag.
