fare il figo
to act cool / to show off
Intermediate Phrase
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Pronunciation
/ˈfa.re il ˈfi.ɡo/
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Cultural Note
Fare il figo (masculine) or fare la figa (feminine) describes someone putting on a too-cool-for-school act, often in a flirtatious context. It can be playful or mildly critical. In Italian dating culture, being 'figo' is both admired and mocked — Italians appreciate confidence but can spot performative coolness from a kilometer away.
📝 Example Sentences
Smettila di fare il figo, sii te stesso.
Stop acting cool, be yourself.
Fa il figo con tutte le ragazze.
He acts cool with all the girls.
Non fare la figa, vieni a ballare!
Don't act all cool, come dance!