figlio di buona donna

//ˈfiʎ.ʎo di ˈbwɔː.na ˈdɔn.na//insult

What does figlio di buona donna mean? figlio di buona donna is a Italian moderate that translates to “son of a bitch (euphemistic)” in English.

son of a good woman

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"son of a bitch (euphemistic)"

A magnificent Italian euphemism — 'son of a good woman' means exactly the opposite. By saying 'good woman' with unmistakable sarcasm, you convey 'son of a whore' without actually saying it. It's insult-by-antonym, and every Italian understands the game being played.

'Quel figlio di buona donna mi ha fregato!' — that son of a bitch ripped me off! Said with heavy ironic emphasis on 'buona.'