pirla
What does pirla mean? pirla is a Italian moderate that translates to “idiot, dick” in English.
Literal Translation
spinning top / penis (Milanese)
Meaning & Usage
"idiot, dick"
A Milanese/Lombard insult meaning idiot, derived from a word for 'spinning top' (which also became slang for penis). It's the quintessential northern Italian insult — you cannot hear 'pirla' without thinking of Milan. Using it is practically a declaration of Lombard identity.
Examples in the Wild
'Che pirla!' — what an idiot! 'Dai, pirla!' — come on, dummy! In Milan, this is said approximately every 30 seconds.
Regional Variations
Almost a term of endearment; the city's word
Recognized as distinctly Milanese; slightly stronger elsewhere
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
Milan's signature insult the way 'minchia' belongs to Sicily. 'Pirla' is Milan's contribution to Italian profanity, used so constantly that it's become the city's unofficial slogan. AC Milan and Inter fans call each other 'pirla' — it's practically a greeting at San Siro stadium. Andrea Pirlo's surname unfortunately sounds like 'pirla,' which Italian football fans found endlessly amusing.
More in Italian 🇮🇹
View all →cagna
“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.