This Is Italy
So you already speak a good word of Italian? All right, then let's take your speaking skills to the next level. Below we teach you 7 of the longest Italian words, with the help of Luigi Micarelli, director at an Italian language school.
1. Precipitation volissimevolmente
Undoubtedly, this is the most popular long Italian word. Precipitation volissimevolmente is used as a joke in Italy and has been around since 1677. You say it to refer humorously to something you do in an extremely hasty manner.
2. Anticostituzionalissimamente
As you might guess, this word goes against the 'constitution'. Anticostituzionalissimamente refers to something which, as Micarelli calls it, goes against 'the general principles of the Constitution'.
3. Esophagodermatodigiunoplastica
One of many long medical terms. Esophagodermatodigiunoplastica describes the technique in plastic surgery to reconstruct the esophagus. Handy if you know what word goes with it, isn't it?
4. Incontrovertibility
This word refers to something which is indisputable and 'without the possibility of discussion'. So usable in Italy in every discussion.
5. Electroencephalography
Another medical term. Elettroencephalography is a method of recording a person's brain activity. It is, according to Micarelli, "an important means of research for the study of the physiology and physiopathology of the central nervous system." In Dutch we know it as electroencephalographic (EEC).
6. Particolareggiatissimamente
This tongue twister describes 'the most minute details' or something 'rich in detail', according to Micarelli.
7. Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia
We save the most beautiful word on this list for last: hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia. This 'Italian' word consists of no fewer than 35 letters and describes the heavily underestimated fear of long words. The term is therefore intended to be cynical in that respect.
Now it's your turn!
The above examples may be a bit extreme. But also in daily life the Dutch and Flemish living in Italy will have to deal with enough tongue twisters. What are the words you are anxiously trying to avoid? Or the one in which you take an almost satanic pleasure from spooning them up?
Source: thelocal.it
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