fottere
What does fottere mean? fottere is a Italian strong that translates to “to fuck, to screw over” in English.
Literal Translation
to fuck (from Latin futuere)
Meaning & Usage
"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.'
Examples in the Wild
'Fottiti!' — fuck you! 'Mi hanno fottuto' — they screwed me over. 'Non me ne fotte niente' — I don't give a fuck.
When to Use It
Context
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
- Direct confrontation (use with caution)
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Around elders or authority figures
- Mixed company or unfamiliar social groups
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
While 'scopare' won the battle for everyday sexual vocabulary, 'fottere' retained the aggressive, figurative territory. The word's Latin pedigree makes it feel simultaneously ancient and vulgar. 'Fottiti' (fuck yourself) is direct and brutal. The reflexive 'fregarsene / fottersene' (to not give a fuck) is essential Italian.
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