Word of the Day

Today’s word, nemmeno (nehm-mai-noh), is a versatile little word. This adverb and conjunction is employed in various contexts and it can have a variety of meanings, depending on the context.  Tracing the origins of nemmeno we find that it is a univerbation of “né …

The Italian word botti (boht-tee, singular botto) carries an aura of mystery in its etymology. Its meaning, denoting a sharp blow or crack, leads us to consider its possible connection to another Italian word, botta, a term rooted in the …

The Italian word dopotutto  (doh-poh-toot-toh) a compound of “dopo” (after) and “tutto” (all or everything), encapsulates the idea of summing up or concluding with consideration of all facts, akin to the English phrases “after all” or “in the end.” This term is …

Today’s word is grigliata(greel-lyee-ah-tah). Grigliata refers to a method of roasting where food is placed on a grill, suspended over embers, an electric coil, or gas burners: in simpler words, Italy’s grigliata is the world’s barbeque! The term itself derives from the Italian …

Our special word, on this beautiful mid-October fall day, is inoltre(ee-nohl-trai). Inoltre is an adverb that means “besides,” “furthermore,” or “in addition,” and it derives from the Latin words in ultra, which means “beyond.” According to sources, inoltre has been …

Today’s word is perfect for this time of the year! The term addobbo (ahd-dohb-boh, plural addobbi) primarily signifies “decoration” or “ornament,” as noted in various dictionaries and translations, and derives from the verb addobbare, which means “to decorate,” coupled with …

In Italy, the word vendemmia (vehn-dehm-mee-ah) is an experience more than it is a word! Rooted in the Latin word vīndēmia, it refers to the grape harvest, a quintessential event that marks the Italian fall season. The word itself is a blend of vinum, …

Today’s word, altrettanto (ahl-treht-tahn-toh), is a “univerbation,” a fancy term that means it is formed by two words: altro and tanto. This combination reflects the Latin expression alterum tantum, and it is similar to the French autant and the Venetian altretanto. These roots convey meanings like “other,” “more,” and …

The word accanto (ahk-kahn-toh) comes from the fusion of the Italian word canto and the prefix “a.” Canto in Italian can refer to singing, but is also an old-fashioned way to say  “corner,” or “side.” The prefix “a,” on the …

Today’s word is indeed very common and you can hear it dappertutto! Dappertutto (dahp-pair-toot-toh) is a delightful term that’s as fun to say as it is to use. It’s an adverb that means “everywhere” or “in every place.” The word is a compound …