scopare
What does scopare mean? scopare is a Italian strong that translates to “to fuck, to screw” in English.
Literal Translation
to sweep (with a broom) / to fuck
Meaning & Usage
"to fuck, to screw"
The most common Italian verb for sexual intercourse — and also the completely innocent word for 'to sweep the floor.' Context is everything: 'devo scopare il pavimento' (I need to sweep the floor) and 'hanno scopato' (they fucked) use exactly the same word. This dual meaning is a source of endless Italian humor.
Examples in the Wild
'Hanno scopato?' — did they have sex? 'Chi scopa stasera?' — who's getting laid tonight? Also: 'Devo scopare casa' — I need to sweep the house (genuinely innocent).
Regional Variations
Standard sexual meaning
'Chiavare' or 'trombare' more common regionally
When to Use It
Context
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- Expressing strong frustration or emphasis
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
The broom/sex double meaning is so well-known that Italian comedies have milked it for decades. New Italian learners inevitably create accidentally hilarious sentences. The word is crude but not as aggressive as some alternatives — it's the standard colloquial verb for sex, not the violent one. 'Scopata' (a fuck) is the noun form.
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.