vigliacco
What does vigliacco mean? vigliacco is a Italian moderate that translates to “coward, yellow-belly” in English.
Literal Translation
coward
Meaning & Usage
"coward, yellow-belly"
A coward — someone who lacks the courage to face consequences or stand by their actions. In Italian culture, where 'coraggio' (courage) is deeply valued, being called 'vigliacco' is a serious character indictment. It's formal enough for a courtroom and common enough for a schoolyard.
Examples in the Wild
'Vigliacco! Vieni fuori!' — coward! Come outside! 'È un vigliacco, non si è presentato' — he's a coward, he didn't show up.
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
Italy's long martial and political history gives 'vigliacco' particular resonance. From Roman soldiers to WWII partisans, Italian culture venerates bravery and despises cowardice. Calling someone 'vigliacco' invokes this entire tradition. The word appears in Dante, in Garibaldi's speeches, and in modern road rage.
More in Italian 🇮🇹
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“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.
porca miseria
“damn it / holy crap”
Stronger expression of frustration combining 'porca' (pig) with 'misery.' Classic Italian exclamation for everyday annoyances.
mona
“cunt”
Venetian/Friulian dialect for female genitalia.
daje
“come on, let's go, yeah”
Roman dialect for 'dai' (come on/give it). It's a multipurpose exclamation: encouragement ('daje, puoi farcela!' — come on, you can do it!), celebration ('daje!' — yes!), frustration ('ma daje!' — oh come on!). It's the sound of Roman enthusiasm concentrated into one syllable.
pezzo di merda
“piece of shit”
Ultimate expression of contempt for a person.
fesso
“fool, sucker, chump”
A fool, a sucker — someone who's been 'cracked' or broken mentally. In Neapolitan culture, 'fesso' is the opposite of 'furbo' (clever/cunning). The furbo-fesso dichotomy is central to southern Italian social philosophy: the world is divided into those who outsmart and those who get outsmarted.