pirla

//ˈpir.la//insult

What does pirla mean? pirla is a Italian moderate that translates to “idiot, dick” in English.

spinning top / penis (Milanese)

01

"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.

'Che pirla!' — what an idiot! 'Dai, pirla!' — come on, dummy! In Milan, this is said approximately every 30 seconds.