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prezzolato

hired, paid off, on the take

adjective preh-tsoh-LAH-toh Rare

Origin: From prezzo (price) + -olato, suggesting being bought at a price.

Usage Note

Prezzolato describes a journalist, politician, or public figure who has been bought or is in someone's pay — roughly 'on the payroll' in a corrupt sense. It is a strongly pejorative term carrying overtones of corruption and venality. Una stampa prezzolata ('a bought press') is a common political accusation in Italy.

Examples

"Accusò il giornalista di essere prezzolato."

Natural Translation

He accused the journalist of being on the take.

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