We realize that autumn has arrived when the scent of roast chestnuts is in the air. Only after smelling it do we really think that summer is a faraway memory and we need to put on heavier clothes, as if our brain refuses to admit that the time for shorts and flip flops is over.
The Italian word for chestnut is “castagna” [kastaɲya], but also “caldarrosta” (roast chestnut) or “marrone“. We also use “castagna” in the idiom “prendere qualcuno in castagna” i.e. a mild translation of the far more dramatic “to catch someone red-handed”.
The plural “castagne” is present in the idiom “togliere le castagne dal fuoco” i.e. something like “to do the dirty job” on behalf of someone, in a rather unwilling disposition, though.
“Marroni” (plural of “marrone”) are something that is advisable not to break, since its figurative meaning is the not-so-elegant male attributes: therefore, use it sparingly and in very informal circumstances.
So, be careful not to “rompere i marroni” to someone otherwise you’ll be likely to receive a “castagna” in the face which, in this case it is not the fruit but a strong punch, kick or blow. Forewarned is forearmed!
P.S.
Stay tuned, there’s an update coming soon!
