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barzelletta

joke

noun bar-tsel-LET-tah Rare
Communication Expressions

Usage Note

Barzelletta is the standard Italian word for a joke or gag — typically a short narrative joke with a punchline, not a quip or witty remark (battuta). The phrase raccontare una barzelletta means 'to tell a joke.' Its plural is barzellette. In colloquial speech, calling something una barzelletta ('what a joke!') expresses disbelief or contempt for something absurd.

Examples

"Ha raccontato una barzelletta divertente."

Natural Translation

He told a funny joke.

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