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nounnounadjective

lo sfigato

loser

Persona a cui va spesso tutto storto e che sembra non avere mai fortuna.

Definition & meaning

The word sfigato is a common Italian slang term that carries two primary, often overlapping, meanings:

  1. Unlucky person: It describes someone who is chronically plagued by bad luck or misfortune. In this context, it is the equivalent of "jinxed" or "unfortunate."
  2. Loser or social outcast: It is frequently used as a derogatory label for someone perceived as uncool, socially awkward, pathetic, or lacking in personality. It characterizes a person who doesn't "fit in" or who is unsuccessful in social or romantic endeavors, similar to the English terms "loser," "dork," or "geek."

The word is informal and can range from a lighthearted tease among friends to a harsh insult, depending on the tone and context.

Grammar & Word origin

Grammatically, sfigato functions as both an adjective and a noun. It has a feminine form, sfigata, and plural forms, sfigati (masculine) and sfigate (feminine).

The word originates from the noun sfiga, which means "bad luck." The term "sfiga" itself is composed of the privative prefix "s-" and the word "figa" (a vulgar term for female genitalia). In Italian popular culture and superstition, "figa" was historically associated with luck or protection against the evil eye; therefore, being "s-figato" literally implies being "without luck."

Synonyms & antonyms

Synonyms

  • sfortunato: The standard, non-slang way to say "unlucky."
  • fallito: Meaning "failure" or "loser," used for someone who has failed in life or a specific endeavor.
  • mediocre: Used to describe someone unremarkable or average in a negative way.
  • nerd: Often used as a synonym in modern Italian to describe someone socially awkward or overly focused on niche interests.
  • miserabile: Someone wretched or pathetic.

Antonyms

  • fortunato: The standard term for someone who is "lucky."
  • figo: A very common slang term meaning "cool," "attractive," or "great." It is the direct social opposite of a sfigato.
  • vincente: Meaning "winner" or "successful."
  • popolare: Meaning "popular," describing someone with high social standing.

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Examples

Lui pensa di essere sfigato, ma non è vero.adjective

He thinks he is a loser, but it's not true.

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