VITELLONI Meaning and
Definition
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Vitelloni is an Italian noun referring to a group of young men who are immature, irresponsible, and often idle. This term is derived from "vitello," which translates to "calf" in English. The word "vitelloni" is used to describe these individuals as resembling young, naive animals yet to reach adulthood.
In Italian culture, vitelloni commonly represents aimless youth who typically come from a small town or village. They are characterized by their lack of ambition, frequently indulging in frivolous activities without any clear direction or purpose. These individuals may engage in excessive partying, gambling, or chasing after romantic conquests, often lacking the responsibility and dedication needed for personal and professional growth.
The term "vitelloni" gained prominence through Italian cinema, particularly in Federico Fellini's 1953 film "I Vitelloni" (The Young and the Passionate). The movie effectively illustrated the lives of a group of aimless young men from a provincial town, highlighting their escapades, immature behavior, and their struggle in transitioning into adulthood.
While vitelloni typically represents a negative connotation, it also serves as a critical lens into the challenges faced by young individuals who find themselves trapped in a cycle of immaturity and irresponsibility.
Etymology of VITELLONI
The word "vitelloni" is of Italian origin. It comes from the Italian word "vitello", which means "calf" or "young bull". The suffix "oni" is a pluralizing suffix in Italian. Therefore, "vitelloni" can be interpreted as a plural noun meaning "big calves" or "big young bulls".
The term "vitelloni" gained prominence in Italy following the release of Federico Fellini's film of the same name in 1953. The film tells the story of a group of unemployed young men in a small coastal town, reflecting their struggles and aimlessness. The characters are referred to as "vitelloni" to capture the idea of the protagonists being immature and idle, similar to young bulls who have yet to reach maturity. Since then, "vitelloni" has become synonymous with idle and jobless young men in Italian culture.
