Signification
To be completely surprised or speechless.
Contexte culturel
Stucco was the '3D printer' of the Renaissance. Artists like Giacomo Serpotta created entire worlds out of it. Knowing this makes the idiom feel more 'grand' and artistic. In Italy, being 'di stucco' is often a compliment to the person who surprised you. It shows they managed to truly impress or shock you, which is a form of social validation. In the South, you might hear 'rimanere come un allocco' (to stay like a tawny owl), which adds a layer of 'looking a bit silly' to the surprise. Italian clickbait often uses this phrase. You'll see headlines like 'Guarda questo video e resterai di stucco!' (Watch this video and you'll be amazed!).
Use 'Lasciare'
If you want to say 'It shocked me', use 'Mi ha lasciato di stucco'. It's very common.
Gender Agreement
Don't forget: 'Loro sono restatI' (men/mixed) vs 'Loro sono restatE' (women).
Signification
To be completely surprised or speechless.
Use 'Lasciare'
If you want to say 'It shocked me', use 'Mi ha lasciato di stucco'. It's very common.
Gender Agreement
Don't forget: 'Loro sono restatI' (men/mixed) vs 'Loro sono restatE' (women).
Combine with 'Letteralmente'
To sound more native, say 'Sono letteralmente restato di stucco'. It adds emphasis.
Body Language
When saying this, Italians often freeze their hands in mid-air to mimic the 'stucco' statue.
Teste-toi
Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'restare di stucco'. Pay attention to the subject!
Quando Maria ha visto il regalo, lei ________.
Since 'Maria' is feminine singular, the past participle must be 'restata'.
Which situation is most appropriate for 'restare di stucco'?
In which case would you use this idiom?
The idiom requires a high level of shock or disbelief.
Complete the dialogue naturally.
A: 'Hai visto che Luca ha vinto la lotteria?' B: 'Sì, ________!'
'Di stucco' is the standard idiom; 'di legno' (of wood) or 'di carta' (of paper) are not used this way.
Match the idiom to the feeling.
Match 'Restare di stucco' with its core emotion.
The idiom primarily conveys shock and disbelief.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
When to use 'Restare di stucco'
Positive
- • Surprise Party
- • Winning Lottery
- • Beautiful Art
Negative
- • Sudden Firing
- • Bad News
- • Betrayal
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesQuando Maria ha visto il regalo, lei ________.
Since 'Maria' is feminine singular, the past participle must be 'restata'.
In which case would you use this idiom?
The idiom requires a high level of shock or disbelief.
A: 'Hai visto che Luca ha vinto la lotteria?' B: 'Sì, ________!'
'Di stucco' is the standard idiom; 'di legno' (of wood) or 'di carta' (of paper) are not used this way.
Match 'Restare di stucco' with its core emotion.
The idiom primarily conveys shock and disbelief.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, they are 100% interchangeable in this idiom. 'Rimanere di stucco' is just as common.
No, it's not rude. It's a standard way to express surprise. However, don't use it in a funeral or very tragic context.
No, it's a false friend. 'Stucco' is plaster. 'Stuck' would be 'incastrato'.
Yes, it is a national idiom, understood from Milan to Palermo.
You can, but 'restare di marmo' often means being cold or emotionless, not necessarily surprised.
There isn't a direct opposite idiom, but you could say 'non fare una piega' (to not even make a fold/to not react at all).
Absolutely. It works for both positive and negative shocks.
You say 'Resterai di stucco'.
It's neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend.
Both are used. 'Stucco' is slightly more descriptive of a 'molded' reaction, while 'sasso' is more about being 'hard'.
Expressions liées
Restare di sasso
synonymTo be turned to stone with shock.
Rimanere a bocca aperta
similarTo stay with one's mouth open.
Restare basito
similarTo be flabbergasted.
Cadere dalle nuvole
contrastTo be completely unaware of something.
