sei un topo
/ˈsɛj un ˈtɔ.po/word by word
The English phrase "you're a rat" can be translated into Italian as sei un topo.
In Italian, calling someone sei un topo identifies them as a traitor or as a person who informs on others to an authority. You may also use the informal phrase Sei una spia to mean "You're a spy" or "You're a snitch".
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation of sei un topo is /ˈsɛj un ˈtɔ.po/. It consists of 3 syllables, with the stress on the 1st syllable.
Did you know?
- While topo means 'mouse' in a general sense, the term for a literal rat is usually ratto. Using topo as an insult emphasizes the smallness or sneakiness of the traitor.
- The word topo actually evolved from the Latin word for 'mole', talpa, rather than starting as the word for 'rat'.
- In modern Italian, the word topo is also the standard name for a computer 'mouse'.
Example conversation
Giulia discovers that Francesco told their teacher about her skipping class.
- GiuliaHai detto tutto alla professoressa!You told the teacher everything!
- FrancescoVolevo solo fare la cosa giusta.I just wanted to do the right thing.
- GiuliaNon importa, sei un topo!It doesn't matter, you're a rat!
- FrancescoSmettila di urlare, Giulia.Stop shouting, Giulia.
