Very Informalphrase
mangiare come un maiale
to eat like a pig
Literal Translation
"to eat like a pig"
Formal Equivalent
mangiare in modo scomposto
Examples in Context
"Non mangiare come un maiale, usa il tovagliolo!"
"Don't eat like a pig, use your napkin!"
"A casa mangia come un maiale, ma al ristorante fa il signorino."
"At home he eats like a pig, but at the restaurant he acts all proper."
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Cultural Note
Like the English equivalent, this refers to eating messily or excessively. In Italy, where table manners are taken seriously from childhood, being told you eat come un maiale is a serious insult — especially from a nonna.
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