The word "Della Crusca" is a proper noun that refers to a literary society that emerged in Florence, Italy in the late 16th century. The spelling of the word may seem unfamiliar, but it is pronounced as /ˈdɛlə ˈkrʌskə/ (DEL-ə KRUSK-ə), with the stress on the first syllable. The letters "sca" are particularly noteworthy in the spelling. They are pronounced as /skə/, not /sə/ as one might expect, which reflects the Italian influence on the word's formation.
Della Crusca refers to a literary society and school of poetry that was prominent in the late 18th century in Florence, Italy. The term "Della Crusca" translates to "of the bran" in Italian, which metaphorically denotes a refinement process to separate the "bran" from the "flower" of poetry.
The Della Crusca group was established in 1582 by a circle of intellectuals whose aim was to promote high-quality Italian poetry and provide a forum for literary discussion. It gained significant recognition and influence during the 17th and 18th centuries, attracting numerous members and followers across Italy and Europe.
The Della Crusca members, known as the "Accademici della Crusca," consisted of poets, scholars, and critics. They were deeply committed to refining the Italian language and maintaining its purity. Through various publications and an annual poetic contest, they encouraged poets to uphold linguistic correctness, imaginative depth, and artistic excellence. Their critics, known as "Braminazzi," often engaged in witty, satirical exchanges with the Accademici.
The term "Della Crusca" has also come to represent ostentatious, over-literary language or style. This usage emerged due to the society's association with excessive praise and artificiality in poetry. Today, "Della Crusca" is sometimes used as a derogatory term to criticize affected or overblown writing.
Despite some later criticisms, the Della Crusca institution contributed significantly to the development and preservation of the Italian literary tradition. Its focus on linguistic correctness and poetic refinement laid the groundwork for future generations of Italian poets and scholars.
The word "Della Crusca" has its origins in late 17th-century Florence, Italy. It comes from the Italian phrase "Accademia della Crusca", which translates to "Academy of the Bran". The term "della Crusca" refers to the process of separating the flour from the bran during the milling of wheat.
The Accademia della Crusca was founded in 1582 as an Italian language academy with the goal of preserving the purity and beauty of the Italian language. They aimed to compile and publish a comprehensive dictionary, ensure linguistic accuracy, and promote eloquent writing.
The term "Della Crusca" gained prominence in English literature during the second half of the 18th century. It became associated with a group of British critics and writers who aimed to mock the language and literary style of the Italian academy.