pirla
idiot, fool, dummy
Intermediate Noun Masculine
🔊
Pronunciation
/ˈpir.la/
💡
Cultural Note
A distinctly Milanese/Lombard insult meaning 'idiot' or 'fool.' In Milan, it originally had a vulgar meaning (referring to a spinning top, then male anatomy) but has softened considerably. Using 'pirla' outside Lombardy immediately identifies you as Milanese. Milder than most Italian insults.
📝 Example Sentences
Non fare il pirla, dai!
Don't be an idiot, come on!
Che pirla, ho perso il treno!
What an idiot I am, I missed the train!