infame
What does infame mean? infame is a Italian strong that translates to “snitch, traitor, rat” in English.
Literal Translation
infamous, without honor
Meaning & Usage
"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.
Examples in the Wild
'Sei un infame!' — you're a rat/traitor! 'Infame!' — directed at someone who's betrayed a confidence or snitched. Heavy words in certain communities.
Regional Variations
Extremely serious; connected to honor culture
Strong insult but less loaded with cultural baggage
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
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
In a culture where loyalty and honor codes run deep — from Sicilian omertà to Roman street culture — 'infame' carries enormous weight. It's not just an insult; it's a social death sentence. Being labeled 'infame' means being excluded, distrusted, and despised. Italian crime films and TV (Gomorra, Suburra) have made the word internationally recognizable.
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