Monello

The Italian word monello translates in my English/Italian dictionary as ‘brat’ and this illustrates very well how some words can’t really be transported from one language directly to another.

A monello is indeed a ‘badly behaved child’ (as ‘brat’ is defined in my English Learner dictionary) and yet it has such a tone of indulgence that it is closer to ‘rascal’. Although one could never refer to a screaming newborn as a rascal, which is covered by monello as much as a terrible two year old.

Key cultural observations can be made in these linguistic nuisances - certainly children are more adored and applauded this side of the Alps. The words ‘brat’ and ‘monello’ beautifully illustrate the Anglo vs Italian perspective of little people.

I don’t really approve of labeling children as I don’t think it is respectful or indeed helpful but there are times these days when I look into the eyes of my red headed, male, two and a half year old firstborn and he just is my little monello.