moffetta
/mofˈfet.ta/feminine
The Italian word for skunk is moffetta. Wiktionary also lists puzzola.
Meaning: animal (noun)
Ways to say it
| Italian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| moffetta | /mofˈfet.ta/ | feminine |
| puzzola | /ˈput.t͡so.la/ | feminine |
Both moffetta and puzzola refer to the animal known as a skunk. However, puzzola is also used colloquially to describe a person who smells bad or is unpleasant, functioning similarly to the English term 'stinker'.
Which one should you use?
The term puzzola can be used figuratively to mean a 'stinker' or an unpleasant person.
How does it change in a sentence?
Both moffetta and puzzola are feminine nouns.
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /mofˈfet.ta/. It has three syllables, with the stress on the second syllable.
Did you know?
- The word moffetta is likely a diminutive related to the word for 'mildew' or 'mold', which is muffa.
- While moffetta is the standard term for the American skunk, puzzola is often used for the European polecat, a different species entirely.
- Italian has two different words for 'smell', and puzzola is derived from puzzo, which describes a visceral stench, rather than odore, which is a neutral odor.
Examples in context
- Lo chiamiamo "Uomo puzzola".We call him "Skunk Man".This sentence shows how to use puzzola when referring to a person.Tatoeba #3161055 by Guybrush88, translation #477324 by FeuDRenais
- Ecco una puzzola.There's a skunk.This sentence provides an example of spotting a puzzola.Tatoeba #6609273 by Guybrush88, translation #8897941 by Mario8286
- Le puzzole sono importanti per l'ecosistema.Skunks are important for the ecosystem.
- La moffetta è un animale molto odioso.The skunk is a very unpleasant animal.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Chiara and Lorenzo are looking at a wildlife book.
- ChiaraGuarda, Lorenzo, cos'è questo animale?Look, Lorenzo, what is this animal?
- LorenzoPenso che sia una moffetta.I think it is a skunk.
- ChiaraÈ davvero carina in questa foto.It is really cute in this photo.
- LorenzoSì, ma non vorrei incontrarne una.Yes, but I wouldn't want to meet one.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “skunk” translations and entries moffetta, puzzola, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries moffetta, puzzola, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
