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dittatorello

petty dictator

noun deet-tah-toh-REL-loh Rare
People & Society Government

Also means

tinpot dictator

Usage Note

Dittatorello is a diminutive-pejorative of dittatore (dictator), formed with the suffix -ello — it implies a minor or ridiculous dictator, a 'little dictator' who lacks the power or grandeur of a true tyrant. The diminutive suffix gives it a contemptuous, almost comic tone, similar to English 'tinpot dictator'.

Examples

"Quel dittatorello governava un piccolo stato corrotto."

Natural Translation

That petty dictator ruled a small corrupt state.

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