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.
Related Words
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