Sprezzatura

Meaning: The art of making something difficult look wholly effortless, hiding every trace of the work behind it.

Language: Italian

Literally: studied nonchalance

Category: Social

Origin: Coined by Baldassare Castiglione in The Book of the Courtier (1528): concealing all art so that what one does seems unstudied.

More untranslatable words — Social

Dietrologia — The conviction that the official account is never the real one — that some hidden motive…
Attaccabottoni — The person who corners you and holds you in an endless, tedious story you cannot politely…
Menefreghista — Someone who has made not caring into an entire stance — indifference as a way of life.
Dugnad — Unpaid work done together for the common good — neighbours painting the building, parents…
Takk for sist — A greeting that thanks someone for the previous occasion you met, acknowledging shared hi…
Fredagsmys — The Friday-night ritual of soft clothes, snacks and television with the people you live w…

Apericena — The evening drink whose accompanying buffet is generous enough to replace dinner altogeth…
Abbiocco — The heavy, irresistible drowsiness that comes after a large meal — the post-lunch stupor…
Culaccino — The ring or stain left on a surface by a wet or cold glass — that small, damp circle that…
Gattara — A woman — often elderly — who dedicates herself to feeding and caring for stray cats in h…
Meriggiare — To take a quiet midday rest in a cool, shaded spot, escaping the fierce afternoon sun.
Magari — One word doing the work of 'if only', 'I wish', 'perhaps' and 'you bet' — the tone decide…

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