trombare
What does trombare mean? trombare is a Italian strong that translates to “to bang, to screw, to fuck” in English.
Literal Translation
to trumpet / to fuck
Meaning & Usage
"to bang, to screw, to fuck"
Literally 'to play the trumpet,' used as slang for having sex — the metaphor being a rhythmic pumping motion. It's one of several Italian sex verbs, each with its own regional flavor. 'Trombare' is slightly more humorous than 'scopare' because the trumpet image is inherently funny.
Examples in the Wild
'L'ha trombata' — he banged her. 'Non trombo da mesi' — I haven't gotten laid in months. Locker room vocabulary, boastful in nature.
Regional Variations
Particularly popular in Roman usage
Understood everywhere, slightly humorous
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
Italian has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to sex vocabulary: scopare (to sweep), trombare (to trumpet), chiavare (to key), fottere (to fuck, literary). Each region has its preferred verb. 'Trombare' is especially common in central Italy and carries a playful, boastful energy.
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.