forchetta

fork

noun for-KET-tah Rare

Usage Note

Forchetta is the diminutive form of the now-archaic forca ('fork / pitchfork'). In everyday speech it exclusively means the eating utensil. Italians say essere una buona forchetta ('to be a good fork') as an idiom meaning to be a hearty, appreciative eater — a compliment in Italian culture. The plural is regular: forchette.

Examples

"Hai preso la forchetta sbagliata."

Natural Translation

You took the wrong fork.

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