Casualnoun
fifone
scaredy-cat, chicken, coward
Literal Translation
"big scared one (from 'fifa' = fear)"
Formal Equivalent
pauroso
Examples in Context
"Non vuoi salire sulle montagne russe? Fifone!"
"You don't want to go on the roller coaster? Scaredy-cat!"
"Non fare il fifone, è solo un ragno piccolissimo!"
"Don't be a chicken, it's just a tiny spider!"
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Cultural Note
A classic playground insult that carries into adulthood among friends. 'Fifone' is never mean — it's a dare disguised as a tease. Italians use it to playfully challenge friends into doing something they're hesitant about: trying scary food, talking to someone, going on a ride. It's essentially the Italian version of 'chicken!'
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