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scimmia

monkey

noun SHEEM-myah Rare

Origin: from medieval Latin simia, 'ape'

Also means

ape

Usage Note

Scimmia covers both monkeys and apes (Italian does not distinguish them with separate common words). The plural is scimmie. Colloquially, fare la scimmia means 'to ape someone' (to mimic them). Used as an insult it is highly offensive and must be avoided.

Examples

"La scimmia ha rubato il cibo al turista."

Natural Translation

The monkey stole the tourist's food.

Literal Translation

The monkey has stolen the food to-the tourist.

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