che orrore
Lemma: che orrore
Translation: how horrible; how awful; what a horror; how dreadful (phrase)
Etymology: This Italian exclamation combines 'che' (what, how) with 'orrore' (horror). 'Orrore' derives from Latin 'horror', meaning 'dread, terror, or bristling', which also gave English the word 'horror'. The Latin term originally referred to the physical sensation of hair standing on end from fear, before extending to the emotion itself.
Mnemonics
- Think of the English 'horror' with an Italian accent
- Imagine someone saying 'Kay or-ROH-ray' while throwing their hands up in dismay
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This expression is commonly used in Italian to express shock, disgust, or dismay at something unpleasant or disturbing. It's a dramatic exclamation that Italians use frequently in everyday conversation to convey strong negative reactions.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: 'Che orrore' (how horrible) sounds similar to 'che onore' (what an honor) but has the opposite meaning.
Confused word:
Che onore! Il presidente ha visitato la nostra scuola.
What an honor! The president visited our school.
Notes: The emotional tone when speaking these phrases would be completely different - disgust versus pride.
Mnemonic: 'Orrore' has double 'r' like 'terrible', while 'onore' has a single 'n' like 'nice'.