cornuto

cuckold

noun kor-NOO-toh Rare

Origin: From Latin cornutus (horned), from cornu (horn); the cuckolding metaphor of 'horns' is ancient in Mediterranean cultures.

Also means

horned (animal)

Usage Note

Cornuto literally means 'horned' (as an animal adjective) but is primarily used as a highly offensive insult for a man whose partner is unfaithful. The gesture of pointing two fingers like horns (le corna) is a related cultural symbol. It can also be used as a general insult. The feminine cornuta exists but the insult is strongly gendered masculine. Register: vulgar.

Examples

"Lo chiamarono cornuto davanti a tutti."

Natural Translation

They called him a cuckold in front of everyone.

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