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Italian word of the day: 'Imbottito'

Clare Speak
Clare Speak - [email protected]
Italian word of the day: 'Imbottito'
Photo: Annie Spratt/Unsplash/Nicolas Raymond

This cosy word describes how you'll see Italians dressed from now until spring - regardless of the actual temperature.

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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.

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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.

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.

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