12

As a foreigner I have always found the expression 'rompere le scatole' to be very funny. I know its meaning and I was wondering where it comes from.

Improve this question

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
9

As egreg has noted, scatole is currently used as an euphemism. There are other expression that use scatole as a replacement for testicles, like 'averne piene le scatole' or 'andare fuori dalle scatole'. Here, here, and here you can find references. However, I am not sure about the origin of the expression. Maybe it was not strictly linked to the meaning 'testicles'.

The expression was already used in the XIX century. The following quote is from Primiero, Antonio Prospero, Philippe Joseph Simon, and Badon Edmond, I figli della calunniata. Dramma in 5 atti, 1844.

Ast. Andiamo, già fra vicine ed amiche...

Raim. Fra vicine ed amiche già... ci possiamo rompere le scatole tutto il santo giorno, non è vero?

Improve this answer
1
  • 2
    Amazing detective job :) Well done!
    – Roberto
    Dec 16, 2013 at 23:24
3

The only info I could find on the net (here and here) seem to point to the fact that during WWII, "to break the boxes" would refer to take ammo from their carton boxes, that is, an attack was imminent. It would be very cool if it was true, but both links lack any real source, so "caveat lector" ;)

Improve this answer
3
  • 8
    Maybe this is true, but I think that the phrase is mainly an attenuation of the more vulgar rompere le palle.
    – egreg ♦
    Dec 16, 2013 at 0:36
  • 1
    Yes, the less intriguing, but pretty logical explanation is what most italians would consider the origin of this saying :) Anyways, those two links are the only ones I found that discuss where "rompere le scatole" came from. My parents were too young during WWII, but I'll try asking.
    – Roberto
    Dec 16, 2013 at 10:44
  • But one also says scassare which is again a reference to boxes (casse). This would mean that maybe is the other way around: rompere le palle o scassare le palle is derived from rompere le scatole.
    – Emanuele Paolini
    Oct 22, 2014 at 8:32
0

I remember my grandpa told me it has something to do with the tin pan that was used to cook the eggs for breakfast, which was also called "scatola". They would crack the egg smashing it slightly to the edge of the pan. So it would be a "scatola" that breaks the eggs, or "rompe le palle". Does it make sense?

Improve this answer
5
  • 2
    Welcome to Italian.SE! The meaning of "scatola" as a pan to cook the eggs seems somewhat strange to me. Grande dizionario della lingua italiana (here and here), which is a quite complete Italian dictionary, doesn't mention it.
    – Charo ♦
    Feb 26, 2020 at 9:51
  • @Charo sei sicura che scattola con due T non fosse proprio l'intenzione dell'autore? cfr books.google.it/…
    – linuxfan says Reinstate Monica
    Feb 26, 2020 at 10:44
  • @linuxfansaysReinstateMonica: No, I'm not sure about that. But an orthographic error that is quite frequent among strangers seems more plausible to me that the intentionality of using an archaic form of this word.
    – Charo ♦
    Feb 26, 2020 at 13:40
  • @charo ok, but consider that was their (the poster) grand father speaking.
    – linuxfan says Reinstate Monica
    Feb 26, 2020 at 14:26
  • @linuxfansaysReinstateMonica, see: books.google.com/ngrams/…
    – Charo ♦
    Feb 26, 2020 at 14:32

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.