heypolyglot
Italian

mascalzone

/mas.kalˈtso.ne/noun · masculineB2
Extended vocabulary · Vocabulary rank 6,918

Meaning

scoundrel, rascal

  • A dishonest, disreputable person or rogue.
  • A cheeky or mischievous person (playful or affectionate use).

In a sentence

Quel mascalzone gli ha venduto un'auto completamente rotta.

That scoundrel sold him a completely broken car.

Vieni qui, piccolo mascalzone, e finisci i compiti!

Come here, you little rascal, and finish your homework!

Non fidarti di lui, si comporta sempre da mascalzone.

Don't trust him; he always behaves like a scoundrel.

Word forms (2)
WordWord forms
mascalzonemasculine · singular
mascalzonimasculine · plural

Usage notes

  • Feminine form 'mascalzona' exists but is rare; usually masculine.
  • Can be a genuine insult or a mild, playful rebuke to a mischievous child.

Related words

Opposites

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