di mascalzone = furfante

Di Mascalzone e Furfante: The Italian Words for Rogue

If you are learning Italian or just have an interest in the language, you may have come across the terms “di mascalzone” and “furfante”. Literally translated, they mean “rogue” and “scoundrel”, respectively. But what do these words really mean in Italian culture?

First, let’s start with “di mascalzone”. This term is often used to describe someone who is cheeky, cunning, or a bit of a troublemaker. It can be loaded with both positive and negative connotations, depending on the context in which it is used. For example, a clever trickster who pulls off a daring heist might be called a “mascalzone”, but someone who steals from their family might also be labeled as such.

The origins of the word can be traced back to the 16th century, when “mascalzone” was used to describe low-class servants and laborers. Over time, it became associated with a certain type of personality – one that is rebellious, street-smart, and often chafes against authority. In modern Italian, you might hear “di mascalzone” used to describe someone who is a bit of a rascal, a brat, or a wild child.

Moving on to “furfante”, this word is a bit more sinister in nature. While “di mascalzone” suggests someone who is mischievous or daring, “furfante” implies a greater level of deceit or treachery. A “furfante” is someone who will lie, cheat, and steal to get what they want. It’s a term that is reserved for the worst kinds of villains.

Interestingly, “furfante” has its roots in the Germanic language, and was brought to Italy during the Lombard invasion of the 6th century. It derives from the Old High German verb “firwizan”, which means “to drive away” or “to banish”. Over time, the term evolved in Italian to include a range of negative qualities, including dishonesty, deceitfulness, and cowardice.

Today, both “di mascalzone” and “furfante” are used less frequently than they were in the past. There are plenty of other Italian slang terms for rogues and scoundrels, and many people opt for more modern, colorful language when describing mischievous or unscrupulous behavior. Nonetheless, these two words remain an important part of Italian vocabulary, and offer a glimpse into the complex cultural history of the language.