Significado
Being unwilling to spend money.
Contexto cultural
There is a long-standing stereotype that people from Genoa are extremely stingy. Jokes about 'Genovesi' having short arms are as common in Italy as jokes about Scots in the UK. In some parts of Tuscany, being 'di braccino' is a common way to describe someone who is frugal, though it's often used more playfully than in other regions. With the rise of digital payments like Satispay, the idiom is evolving. People now joke about having a 'short finger' (dito corto) for not wanting to tap the phone to pay. In the South, hospitality is so paramount that being accused of having 'il braccio corto' is a significant social insult, as it implies a lack of 'accoglienza' (welcoming spirit).
Use the diminutive
Use 'braccino corto' to sound more like a native speaker. It's the most common way to use this idiom in casual conversation.
Don't be too mean
While common, calling someone 'braccio corto' is still a criticism. Use it with friends you know well or when joking.
Significado
Being unwilling to spend money.
Use the diminutive
Use 'braccino corto' to sound more like a native speaker. It's the most common way to use this idiom in casual conversation.
Don't be too mean
While common, calling someone 'braccio corto' is still a criticism. Use it with friends you know well or when joking.
The Genovese Joke
If you are in Genoa, be careful with this phrase! They know the stereotype and might not find it as funny as people in Rome or Milan do.
Ponte a prueba
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Non aspettarti che paghi lui, Marco ______ il braccio ______.
The idiom uses the verb 'avere' and the adjective 'corto'.
Which situation best describes someone with 'il braccio corto'?
Quale di queste persone ha il braccio corto?
The idiom refers to stinginess, specifically not offering to pay for others.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Dividiamo il conto?' B: 'No, io pago solo la mia acqua.' A: 'Uffa, hai proprio il ______ ______!'
'Braccino corto' is a common and appropriate variation for this informal context.
Match the idiom to the person.
Abbina: 1. Uno che spende troppo / 2. Uno che non spende mai.
'Mani bucate' is the opposite of 'braccio corto'.
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Ayudas visuales
Banco de ejercicios
4 ejerciciosNon aspettarti che paghi lui, Marco ______ il braccio ______.
The idiom uses the verb 'avere' and the adjective 'corto'.
Quale di queste persone ha il braccio corto?
The idiom refers to stinginess, specifically not offering to pay for others.
A: 'Dividiamo il conto?' B: 'No, io pago solo la mia acqua.' A: 'Uffa, hai proprio il ______ ______!'
'Braccino corto' is a common and appropriate variation for this informal context.
Abbina: 1. Uno che spende troppo / 2. Uno che non spende mai.
'Mani bucate' is the opposite of 'braccio corto'.
🎉 Puntuación: /4
Preguntas frecuentes
10 preguntasIt's a mild insult or a critique. It's more like calling someone a 'cheapskate' than something truly offensive.
Yes, usually as a joke. 'Oggi ho il braccio corto, paghi tu?' (Today I have a short arm, you pay?)
'Tirchio' is the literal adjective for stingy. 'Braccio corto' is the idiomatic, more colorful way to say it.
Rarely. In formal writing, you would use 'parsimonioso' or 'avaro'.
99% of the time, yes. It specifically refers to the act of spending or giving money.
Because the arm needs to reach into the pocket. If the arm is short, the hand can't get to the wallet.
In modern spoken Italian, yes. 'Braccino' sounds more idiomatic and slightly more ironic.
No, that would mean a physically small arm. The idiom strictly uses 'corto'.
Yes! Italians often tap their elbow with the opposite hand to signify a 'short arm'.
Yes, if the company is being cheap with its employees or customers.
Frases relacionadas
avere le mani bucate
contrastTo spend money very easily (to have holes in one's hands).
essere un Arpagone
synonymTo be a total miser.
tirare la cinghia
similarTo tighten one's belt.
essere di manica larga
contrastTo be generous or lenient.
