far ridere i polli
Lemma: far ridere i polli
Translation: to be ridiculous; to be laughable; to make even chickens laugh (idiom)
Etymology: This Italian idiom literally means 'to make chickens laugh.' It originates from the idea that chickens don't laugh, so something that would make even chickens laugh must be extremely ridiculous or absurd. The expression uses 'polli' (chickens) as a symbol of creatures that are not known for their sense of humor or intelligence, making the idiom more emphatic about how absurd something is.
Mnemonics
- Picture chickens in a farmyard suddenly bursting into laughter at something extremely silly.
- Think of the English phrase 'that's so ridiculous it would make a statue laugh' – this is the Italian equivalent with chickens.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Cultural Context
This idiom is commonly used in everyday Italian conversation to mock or criticize something that is considered completely absurd or ridiculous. It's often used in political discourse to criticize opponents' proposals or statements.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'far ridere' simply means 'to make laugh' or 'to be funny', 'far ridere i polli' is much stronger and means something is completely absurd or ridiculous, not just funny.
Notes: 'Far ridere i polli' is always negative and mocking, while 'far ridere' can be positive.
Mnemonic: If even chickens would laugh at it, it's beyond just funny—it's absurd.