Learning a new language is always an exciting adventure, and today we’ll embark on a journey to explore five interesting Italian words and expressions derived from the word “pacco.”
Are you ready? Let’s start!
**Attention one of these words has a vulgar meaning that I’m going to cover. If you’re too sensitive, I’d suggest you to skip this article**.
Pacco
Starting with the foundation, “pacco” primarily denotes a package or parcel, often used in the context of sending or receiving items.
Ex: Ho ricevuto un bel pacco di Natale dalla mia famiglia.
I received a lovely Christmas package from my family.
Ex: Il corriere consegnerà il pacco domani mattina.
The courier will deliver the package tomorrow morning.
In informal Italian pacco can mean “a lot”:
Ex: Mio cugino sta facendo un pacco di soldi conil trading online.
My cousing is making a lot of money with online trading.
However, in informal Italian pacco can also be used to indicate the bulge produced in the pants by male genitalia. The meaning in this case is a little bit vulgar:
Ex: Quei pantaloni sono talmente attillati che ti si vede il pacco.
Those trousers are so tight that we can see your dong/knob.
Essere un pacco
This Italian colloquial expression means to be extremely boring.
Ex: Non vedo l’ora che questa lezione finisca, è un pacco totale!
I can’t wait for this lesson to be over; it’s extremely boring!
Ex: No, per favore, non invitare Luciano alla festa, è un pacco assoluto!
No, please, don’t invite Luciano to the party, he’s an absolute bore!
Tirare un pacco
“Tirare un pacco” translates to “to throw someone a package,” but figuratively, it means to reject or stand someone up, especially in a romantic context. This phrase is commonly used when someone doesn’t show up for a date or appointment.
Ex: Mi ha tirato un pacco all’ultimo minuto, senza nemmeno una scusa.
He stood me up at the last minute, without even an excuse.
Ex: Se continui a tirare pacchi alle persone, nessuno vorrà uscire con te.
If you keep standing people up, no one will want to go out with you.
Another meaning of “tirare un pacco” is to cheat someone.
Ex: Ho comprato un tablet su un sito internet a un prezzo molto basso, ma non mi è mai arrivato. Mi sa che mi hanno tirato un pacco.
I bought a tablet on a website at a very low price, but I never got it. I guess that they cheated me.
Paccottiglia
“Paccottiglia” is an intriguing word that refers to cheap, low-quality items. It’s often used when describing clutter or items of little value.
Ex: Ho trovato solo paccottiglia nei negozi di souvenir del centro storico.
I only found junk in the souvenir shops in the historic center.
Ex: Non posso credere che mi abbia regalato questa paccottiglia per il mio compleanno.
I can’t believe he gave me this junk for my birthday.
Spaccone
“Spaccone” is a term used to describe someone who boasts, brags, or shows off excessively. It refers to a person who is overly confident and often exaggerates their achievements.
Ex: Non ascoltare ciò che dice, è solo uno spaccone che vuole attirare l’attenzione.
Don’t listen to what he says; he’s just a show-off seeking attention.
Ex: Giovanni fa sempre lo spaccone, parla come se fosse il migliore in tutto.
Giovanni is always a show-off, he talks as if he’s the best at everything.
Impacco
The word “impacco” relates to a compress, wrap, or bandage applied to a part of the body for therapeutic or cosmetic purposes. Additionally, “impacco” can also refer to a mixture or paste used for hair or skin treatments.
Ex: La nonna mi ha preparato un impacco per il mal di denti.
Grandma made me a compress for my toothache.
Ex: Ho provato un nuovo impacco per i capelli, e adesso sembrano molto più luminosi e sani.
I tried a new hair treatment, and now it looks more vibrant and healthy.
As you can see, starting from the word “pacco”, you can learn several other Italian words and expressions! Next time you encounter these Italian words, you’ll be better equipped to understand and use them with confidence.
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Credits
Original image by Afishera
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