citrullo
What does citrullo mean? citrullo is a Italian mild that translates to “fool, dumbass, dimwit” in English.
Literal Translation
cucumber / fool (Neapolitan origin)
Meaning & Usage
01
"fool, dumbass, dimwit"
A Neapolitan-origin insult meaning idiot, derived from 'cetriolo' (cucumber). The cucumber — long, hollow, and full of water — becomes a metaphor for an empty-headed person. It's colorful and fun to say, which prevents it from being truly hurtful. Southern Italy at its most creatively insulting.
Examples in the Wild
'Ma che citrullo!' — what a dummy! 'Fai il citrullo?' — are you playing dumb? Particularly common in southern and central Italy.