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.
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.