schiaffo in faccia
/ˈskjaf.fo in ˈfat.t͡ʃa/word by word
The Italian phrase for 'slap in the face' is schiaffo in faccia.
The phrase schiaffo in faccia can be used both literally to describe a physical strike and figuratively to describe something unexpectedly said or done that causes shock or offense, much like in English.
Meaning: something unexpectedly said or done which causes shock or offense (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is a literal translation of 'slap in the face', where schiaffo means 'slap' and faccia means 'face'.
Which one should you use?
While schiaffo in faccia is the standard phrase, you can also use the informal term uno schiaffone to specifically mean 'a big slap'.
How does it change in a sentence?
To express the action of giving someone a slap in the face, use the verb dare, as in dare uno schiaffo in faccia a qualcuno.
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /ˈskjaf.fo in ˈfat.tʃa/. It has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- To describe a figurative 'slap in the face', Italians sometimes use the phrase una doccia fredda, which literally means 'a cold shower'.
- The word schiaffo is of Lombardic origin and is a relative of the German word Schlappe.
- In Italian culture, a literal schiaffo in faccia is historically viewed as a grave insult to a person's honor, far more severe than a slap to the arm or shoulder.
Examples in context
- Gli diede uno schiaffo in faccia.She gave him a slap in the face.This sentence shows how to use the phrase schiaffo in faccia in a sentence.Tatoeba #945457 by Guybrush88, translation #806765 by BraveSentry
- Il suo commento è stato uno schiaffo in faccia.His comment was a slap in the face.
- Quella decisione è stata uno schiaffo in faccia a tutti.That decision was a slap in the face to everyone.
- 1 more sentence on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Francesco and Chiara are discussing a promotion at work.
- FrancescoHai sentito che hanno promosso lui?Did you hear that they promoted him?
- ChiaraSì, per me è uno schiaffo in faccia.Yes, for me it's a slap in the face.
- FrancescoHai ragione, tu lavori molto più di lui.You're right, you work much more than he does.
- ChiaraÈ davvero ingiusto, Chiara non lo accetta.It's really unfair, Chiara doesn't accept it.
Sources
- IPA marked “word by word” joins the Wiktionary pronunciations of each word (schiaffo, in, faccia) and can differ in connected speech.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries faccia, in, schiaffo, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
