fifone
What does fifone mean? fifone is a Italian mild that translates to “scaredy-cat, chicken, wimp” in English.
Literal Translation
big scaredy (augmentative of fifa — fear)
Meaning & Usage
"scaredy-cat, chicken, wimp"
A playful word for someone who's easily scared — from 'fifa' (fear, in childish language). It's the gentle, teasing version of 'vigliacco.' You call a friend a 'fifone' when they won't go on a roller coaster; you call an enemy 'vigliacco' when they won't face you. The augmentative '-one' makes it almost cute.
Examples in the Wild
'Dai, fifone, sali sulle montagne russe!' — come on, scaredy-cat, get on the roller coaster! 'Non fare il fifone' — don't be a chicken.
When to Use It
Context
- Casual conversations with friends
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- Direct confrontation (use with caution)
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
Children's vocabulary that adults use for gentle teasing. 'Fifone' has no real bite — it's the kind of insult that makes the target laugh rather than fight. Italian's rich suffix system (-one for big, -ino for small, -accio for bad) means any root word can be modulated in intensity.
More in Italian 🇮🇹
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“bitch”
Direct equivalent to English 'bitch.'
che palle
“what a drag, how boring, ugh”
An expression of boredom, annoyance, or exasperation — literally 'what balls,' implying that something is so tedious it weighs on you like heavy testicles. 'Che palle' is one of Italian's most frequently uttered phrases, covering everything from a boring meeting to a rainy weekend.
vaffanculo
“fuck off / fuck you”
Contraction of 'va' a fare in culo' (go do it in the ass). The ultimate Italian insult. Often accompanied by the 'fig' hand gesture.
fottere
“to fuck, to screw over”
The oldest Italian word for sexual intercourse, directly from Latin 'futuere.' In modern usage, it's less common for sex than 'scopare' but dominates in the figurative sense of 'to cheat/screw someone over.' 'Mi ha fottuto' means 'he screwed me over.' 'Fottiti' means 'fuck you.' 'Fottesega' means 'who gives a fuck.'
palle
“balls / what a pain”
Used in 'che palle!' (what a pain/balls) to express boredom or annoyance. Less vulgar than cazzo.
frocio
“faggot / poof”
Homophobic slur for gay men. Originates from Roman dialect.
mona
“cunt”
Venetian/Friulian dialect for female genitalia.
infame
“snitch, traitor, rat”
Someone without honor — specifically, someone who betrays trust or informs on others. In Italian street culture and criminal contexts, 'infame' is one of the worst things you can be called because it strikes at omertà (the code of silence). Even outside criminal circles, being 'infame' means being a backstabbing traitor.