Italian word of the day: 'Imbottito'
This cosy word describes how you'll see Italians dressed from now until spring - regardless of the actual temperature.
Across Italy, we're enjoying a long spell of those sunny days that make you wonder if it really is autumn.
And yet, you may have noticed that many Italians are already wrapping up warm.
Autumn wardrobe staples such as puffer jackets and beanie hats are making an appearance, even if Italy's foreign residents might think it's still t-shirt weather.
This is because, in Italy, clothing is as seasonal as the menu of any self-respecting restaurant, and the calendar dictates how we should be dressed.
The striking seasonal differences here in Italy mean that the arrival of autumn heralds a complete cambio dell'armadio (wardrobe switch) - a major family project that can take up whole weekends.
So if someone is imbottito, they're wrapped up particularly well against the cold (real or perceived).
It might not be the most obvious adjective to use, as the verb imbottire means to 'stuff', 'pad', or 'fill' something. Like a cushion, or a sandwich.
It comes from the word for barrel: una botte - imagine a fat, wooden barrel filled to bursting.
Used reflexively to talk about wrapping up warm, the literal translation into English could be to 'stuff' or 'pack' yourself full of clothes, which brings some funny imagery.
- Bisogna imbottirsi prima di uscire
- You need to wrap up warm before going out
This word also features in the name of one of the classic wardrobe essentials you'll see Italians wearing across the country and beyond at this time of year: the gilet imbottito, or sleeveless puffer jacket, which may or may not feature a hood.
No known sightings of gilet imbottiti on the streets in southern Italy yet - but once they're out, it's officially autumn.🍂 https://t.co/T3PyhDW4oa
— Clare Speak (@ClareinItaly) October 2, 2023
There is a reason for the snug seasonal outfits: the dreaded colpo d'aria, or 'chill' which, as nonna will remind you, you could easily catch if you go outside, or sit near a window, without being adequately imbottito.
So if someone tells you:
- Imbottirsi per bene
They're not telling you to 'stuff yourself', but to 'wrap yourself up well'.
And if you're still wearing your shorts and sandals out in the October sun at the moment, you can count on hearing this advice from concerned Italians everywhere you go.
Do you have an Italian word you'd like us to feature? If so, please email us with your suggestion.
Don't miss any of our Italian words and expressions of the day by downloading our app (available on Apple and Android) and then selecting the Italian Word of the Day in your Notification options via the User button.
Comments
See Also
Across Italy, we're enjoying a long spell of those sunny days that make you wonder if it really is autumn.
And yet, you may have noticed that many Italians are already wrapping up warm.
Autumn wardrobe staples such as puffer jackets and beanie hats are making an appearance, even if Italy's foreign residents might think it's still t-shirt weather.
This is because, in Italy, clothing is as seasonal as the menu of any self-respecting restaurant, and the calendar dictates how we should be dressed.
The striking seasonal differences here in Italy mean that the arrival of autumn heralds a complete cambio dell'armadio (wardrobe switch) - a major family project that can take up whole weekends.
So if someone is imbottito, they're wrapped up particularly well against the cold (real or perceived).
It might not be the most obvious adjective to use, as the verb imbottire means to 'stuff', 'pad', or 'fill' something. Like a cushion, or a sandwich.
It comes from the word for barrel: una botte - imagine a fat, wooden barrel filled to bursting.
Used reflexively to talk about wrapping up warm, the literal translation into English could be to 'stuff' or 'pack' yourself full of clothes, which brings some funny imagery.
- Bisogna imbottirsi prima di uscire
- You need to wrap up warm before going out
This word also features in the name of one of the classic wardrobe essentials you'll see Italians wearing across the country and beyond at this time of year: the gilet imbottito, or sleeveless puffer jacket, which may or may not feature a hood.
No known sightings of gilet imbottiti on the streets in southern Italy yet - but once they're out, it's officially autumn.🍂 https://t.co/T3PyhDW4oa
— Clare Speak (@ClareinItaly) October 2, 2023
There is a reason for the snug seasonal outfits: the dreaded colpo d'aria, or 'chill' which, as nonna will remind you, you could easily catch if you go outside, or sit near a window, without being adequately imbottito.
So if someone tells you:
- Imbottirsi per bene
They're not telling you to 'stuff yourself', but to 'wrap yourself up well'.
And if you're still wearing your shorts and sandals out in the October sun at the moment, you can count on hearing this advice from concerned Italians everywhere you go.
Do you have an Italian word you'd like us to feature? If so, please email us with your suggestion.
Don't miss any of our Italian words and expressions of the day by downloading our app (available on Apple and Android) and then selecting the Italian Word of the Day in your Notification options via the User button.
Join the conversation in our comments section below. Share your own views and experience and if you have a question or suggestion for our journalists then email us at [email protected].
Please keep comments civil, constructive and on topic – and make sure to read our terms of use before getting involved.
Please log in here to leave a comment.