arrembaggio

boarding (a ship), boarding attack

noun ar-rem-BAH-joh Rare

Usage Note

Arrembaggio is the naval term for boarding an enemy vessel by force, closely associated with pirate imagery. The rallying cry all'arrembaggio! means 'to the attack!' or 'charge!' In modern Italian it is used figuratively and humorously for any frenzied rush or scramble, such as a crowd storming a sale.

Examples

"I pirati lanciarono l'arrembaggio alla nave nemica."

Natural Translation

The pirates launched a boarding attack on the enemy ship.

Related Words

Explore Italian by topic

ItalianNow

You're Welcome in Italian: 8 Ways Beyond Prego

You're welcome in Italian is more than prego: say figurati to friends, si figuri to strangers, di niente, non c'è di che, or grazie a te. Pick the right one.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Reflexive Verbs: Mi Chiamo, Mi Alzo & More

Italian reflexive verbs use mi, ti, si, ci, vi, si — learn the pronouns, conjugate chiamarsi and alzarsi, master your daily routine, and the modal-verb rule.

June 5, 2026 5 min read

ItalianNow

Italian Diminutives: -ino, -etto, -one Explained

Italian diminutives like -ino, -etto, and -one signal size, affection, or contempt. Learn to read the feeling, dodge gender flips, and spot false diminutives.

June 9, 2026 6 min read

ItalianNow

Tu vs Lei: Formal & Informal "You" in Italian

When in doubt, use Lei. Here's exactly when to use tu vs Lei in Italian — the who-to-use-with map, the verb and possessive shifts, and how to switch politely.

June 5, 2026 6 min read