aguzzino
/a.ɡutˈt͡si.no/
The English phrase "slave driver" is translated into Italian as aguzzino.
An aguzzino is a person who forces others to work very hard under strict and cruel conditions. This term can be used literally to describe a cruel taskmaster or metaphorically to describe a boss or any person who is excessively demanding.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun aguzzino is masculine. To refer to a female slave driver, use the feminine form aguzzina.
How do you pronounce it?
The word has 4 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd syllable: /a.ɡutˈtsi.no/.
Did you know?
- In modern Italy, calling a gym trainer or a strict teacher an aguzzino is often intended as a hyperbolic joke rather than a serious accusation.
- The term aguzzino traces its roots back to the Arabic word al-wazīr, which referred to an 'officer' or 'minister'.
- The word aguzzino likely entered the Italian language through the regional dialects of Naples and Sicily rather than through the standard Tuscan dialect.
Examples in context
- Il mio professore è uno schiavista, ci assegna un sacco di compiti!My teacher is a slave driver, he assigns us a ton of homework!
- Il nuovo capo è un vero aguzzino.The new boss is a real slave driver.
- Non voglio lavorare per un aguzzino come lui.I don't want to work for a slave driver like him.
- Quel proprietario si comporta come un aguzzino.That owner behaves like a slave driver.
Example conversation
Sofia and Alessandro are having coffee during a work break.
- SofiaIl nostro direttore è un aguzzino crudele.Our director is a cruel slave driver.
- AlessandroHai ragione, ci fa lavorare troppe ore.You're right, he makes us work too many hours.
- SofiaAlessandro, devi trovare un lavoro migliore.Alessandro, you must find a better job.
- AlessandroLo farò, non reggo più questa pressione.I will, I can't take this pressure anymore.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry aguzzino, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries aguzzino, CC BY-SA 4.0.
