Sprezzatura

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

Literally: Studied nonchalance

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

More Italian untranslatable words

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…

Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.

Del senno di poi son piene le fosse Wisdom after the event is useless.
Tanti galli a cantar non fa mai giorno When too many people give orders, nothing gets done.
Chi la dura la vince Whoever persists long enough wins in the end.

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