babbu
/ˈbab.bu/masculine
The English word stupid is translated into Sicilian as babbu. Wiktionary also lists stùbbitu and scimunitu.
Meaning: lacking in intelligence (adj)
Ways to say it
| Sicilian | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| babbu | /ˈbab.bu/ | masculine |
| stùbbitu | masculine | |
| scimunitu | /ʃimuˈnitu/ | masculine |
| critinu | masculine |
All provided forms are used to describe someone lacking in intelligence.
Which one should you use?
While babbu is a general term for stupid, scimunitu often implies a sense of being foolish or acting without sense.
How does it change in a sentence?
The masculine singular forms include stùbbitu, scimunitu, babbu and critinu. To refer to a female, use the feminine form babba. For a group of males or a mixed group, use the masculine plural form babbi.
How do you pronounce it?
The word babbu is pronounced /ˈbab.bu/. It has 2 syllables, and the stress is on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- The word babbu shares a root with the Latin 'balbus', which means 'stammering' or 'stuttering'.
- In Sicilian culture, calling someone scimunitu can be used as a playful or affectionate tease among friends rather than a harsh insult.
- The word stùbbitu carries a different phonetic weight than the others, often used to describe a 'dull' or 'slow-witted' person, emphasizing a lack of mental quickness.
Examples in context
- È un babbu stu picciriddu.This little boy is a stupid boy.
- Non fari u babbu.Don't be stupid.
- Sì pirchì è propriu babbu.It's because he is truly stupid.
Example conversation
Giulia and Calogero are arguing over a simple mistake.
- GiuliaCalogero, pi chi facisti chistu sbaglio?Calogero, why did you make this mistake?
- CalogeroNunu sapia chi s'aveva a fari accussì.I didn't know it had to be done this way.
- GiuliaMa chi babbu chi si', è semplice!But how stupid you are, it's simple!
- CalogeroNun mi diciri babbu!Don't call me stupid!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “stupid” translations and entries babbu, scimunitu, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries babbu, scimunitu, CC BY-SA 4.0.
