volgare
Lemma: volgare
Translation: vulgar; common; coarse; crude; rude; vernacular (adjective)
Etymology: From Latin 'vulgaris', derived from 'vulgus' meaning 'the common people'. The English word 'vulgar' shares the same Latin root. Originally, 'volgare' simply meant 'of the common people' or 'ordinary', but over time it acquired negative connotations of crudeness and lack of refinement. In linguistic contexts, 'volgare' refers to the vernacular language (as in 'italiano volgare', the early form of Italian that developed from Latin).
Example Usage
Il suo comportamento volgare ha offeso tutti i presenti.
His vulgar behavior offended everyone present.
Non usare un linguaggio volgare in presenza dei bambini.
Don't use vulgar language in the presence of children.
Nel Medioevo, il latino era la lingua dei dotti, mentre il volgare era parlato dal popolo.
In the Middle Ages, Latin was the language of scholars, while the vernacular was spoken by the people.
Ha gusti piuttosto volgari.
He has rather crude tastes.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'vulgar' in English, which sounds similar and has the same meaning.
- Connect it to 'vulgus' (Latin for 'common people') - something 'volgare' originally belonged to common people.
- Associate with 'divulge' in English - to make something common knowledge.
Related Words, Phrases & Idioms
Synonyms
Cultural Context
In Italian cultural history, 'volgare' has significant importance as it refers to the early Italian vernacular that developed from Latin. Dante Alighieri's choice to write 'La Divina Commedia' in 'volgare' instead of Latin was revolutionary for Italian literature. In modern usage, the term often carries negative connotations when referring to behavior or language, similar to English 'vulgar'.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While 'volgare' can mean 'common' with negative connotations, 'popolare' means 'popular' or 'of the people' in a more neutral or positive sense.
This word:
Ha un modo di parlare volgare che non mi piace.
He has a vulgar way of speaking that I don't like.
Confused word:
Questo è un ristorante molto popolare in città.
This is a very popular restaurant in the city.
Notes: Historically, both words referred to things related to common people, but 'volgare' developed more negative connotations over time.
Mnemonic: 'Volgare' connects to 'vulgar' (negative), while 'popolare' connects to 'popular' (positive).
Explanation: 'Volgare' (vulgar) and 'volare' (to fly) look and sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Notes: The verbs have completely different conjugations and usage contexts.
Mnemonic: 'Volgare' has a 'g' in it - think 'g' for 'gross' behavior; 'volare' has no 'g' - think of the smooth motion of flying.