Meaning
Lack of emotion.
Cultural Background
In Italy, being called 'un pezzo di ghiaccio' is a serious critique because social cohesion is based on shared emotional expression. There is a cultural trope that Northerners are 'pezzi di ghiaccio' compared to the more expressive Southerners, though this is a stereotype. The 'cold' character is a staple of Italian 'Giallo' and 'Poliziotteschi' films, often representing the corruption of the soul. Italian families often have one member (usually an older patriarch) who is the 'pezzo di ghiaccio' that everyone respects but fears.
Use with 'Rimanere'
If you want to describe someone who *stayed* cold during a specific event, use 'rimanere' instead of 'essere'.
Gender Neutrality
Remember: 'pezzo' is always masculine. Don't say 'pezza' for a woman!
Meaning
Lack of emotion.
Use with 'Rimanere'
If you want to describe someone who *stayed* cold during a specific event, use 'rimanere' instead of 'essere'.
Gender Neutrality
Remember: 'pezzo' is always masculine. Don't say 'pezza' for a woman!
The Sarcastic Use
You can use it sarcastically with friends who are being slightly too serious: 'Mamma mia, che pezzo di ghiaccio che sei!'
Test Yourself
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Nonostante tutti piangessero al funerale, lui ________ un pezzo di ghiaccio.
'Rimanere' (to remain) is the most natural verb to describe staying in a state of coldness.
Which of these people is 'un pezzo di ghiaccio'?
Chi è un pezzo di ghiaccio?
The idiom refers to emotional insensitivity.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Hai visto come ha reagito Maria quando l'hanno licenziata?' B: 'Sì, non ha detto nulla. È proprio ________.'
'Un pezzo di pane' means a very good person; 'un pezzo di ghiaccio' fits the lack of reaction.
Match the idiom to the correct context.
In quale situazione useresti 'un pezzo di ghiaccio'?
It can describe professional stoicism.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercisesNonostante tutti piangessero al funerale, lui ________ un pezzo di ghiaccio.
'Rimanere' (to remain) is the most natural verb to describe staying in a state of coldness.
Chi è un pezzo di ghiaccio?
The idiom refers to emotional insensitivity.
A: 'Hai visto come ha reagito Maria quando l'hanno licenziata?' B: 'Sì, non ha detto nulla. È proprio ________.'
'Un pezzo di pane' means a very good person; 'un pezzo di ghiaccio' fits the lack of reaction.
In quale situazione useresti 'un pezzo di ghiaccio'?
It can describe professional stoicism.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
4 questionsYes, but it sounds quite harsh. It implies the child is unusually cold or unloving.
90% of the time, yes. Occasionally, it's used to praise someone's calm under pressure (like a surgeon or athlete).
'Essere freddo' is a simple adjective. 'Essere un pezzo di ghiaccio' is more emphatic and idiomatic.
No, the idiom loses its power if you use a diminutive. Stick to 'pezzo'.
Related Phrases
avere un cuore di pietra
synonymTo have a heart of stone.
essere un pezzo di pane
contrastTo be a piece of bread (very kind).
restare di sasso
similarTo be turned to stone (stunned).
fare il finto tonto
similarTo play dumb.
