Usage Note
Matto functions as both noun ('a madman') and adjective ('crazy, mad'): sei matto! ('you're crazy!'). As a noun it is informal — the clinical term is malato mentale. The phrase dare di matto means 'to go crazy/berserk.' The feminine is matta. It is used affectionately as well as pejoratively depending on tone.
Examples
"Quel matto guida a tutta velocità."
Natural Translation
That madman drives at full speed.
Related Words
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