Significado
Being extremely angry.
Contexto cultural
When Italians use this phrase, they often accompany it with a gesture: raising their hands to their head or mimicking 'messy hair' to show their agitation. The use of 'diavolo' (devil) in everyday speech is very common in Italy, reflecting centuries of Catholic influence where the devil was a real, everyday figure of folklore. In Italian offices, it's common to warn others about a boss's mood using this phrase. It's a way of navigating office hierarchy and avoiding conflict. While this phrase is national, in the South, you might hear more intense versions involving 'furies' or 'demons', but 'un diavolo per capello' remains the standard.
The Singular Secret
Always keep 'capello' singular. It's the #1 way to tell a native from a learner.
Not for Funerals
Even if you are angry at a formal event, this phrase is too casual. Stick to 'sono molto scosso' or 'sono contrariato'.
Significado
Being extremely angry.
The Singular Secret
Always keep 'capello' singular. It's the #1 way to tell a native from a learner.
Not for Funerals
Even if you are angry at a formal event, this phrase is too casual. Stick to 'sono molto scosso' or 'sono contrariato'.
The 'Warning' Use
Use it to warn others about yourself: 'Ragazzi, oggi ho un diavolo per capello, non è giornata.' It saves relationships!
Teste-se
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the idiom.
Oggi non parlarmi, ho un diavolo per _______.
The idiom always uses the singular 'capello'.
Which verb is used with this idiom?
Io _______ un diavolo per capello.
In Italian, you 'have' (avere) a devil for a hair.
Match the situation to the feeling.
Hai perso il portafoglio, il treno è in ritardo e piove.
This accumulation of negative events is the perfect context for this idiom.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Perché Maria urla? B: Perché _______ un diavolo per capello.
Maria is the third person singular (lei), so we use 'ha'.
Match the Italian idiom with its English equivalent meaning.
Avere un diavolo per capello
The idiom describes a state of extreme anger or irritation.
🎉 Pontuação: /5
Recursos visuais
Formal vs Informal Anger
Banco de exercicios
5 exerciciosOggi non parlarmi, ho un diavolo per _______.
The idiom always uses the singular 'capello'.
Io _______ un diavolo per capello.
In Italian, you 'have' (avere) a devil for a hair.
Hai perso il portafoglio, il treno è in ritardo e piove.
This accumulation of negative events is the perfect context for this idiom.
A: Perché Maria urla? B: Perché _______ un diavolo per capello.
Maria is the third person singular (lei), so we use 'ha'.
Combine cada item a esquerda com seu par a direita:
The idiom describes a state of extreme anger or irritation.
🎉 Pontuação: /5
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasNo, it's always 'un diavolo' (singular). The idiom is fixed.
It's informal, but not rude. It's a common way to express frustration among friends.
Yes! 'Lui ha un diavolo per capello' is very common to describe a grumpy person.
No, it's purely figurative now. No one will think you need an exorcist!
'Incazzato' is vulgar (like 'pissed off'). 'Un diavolo per capello' is safe for general company.
Absolutely. 'Avevo un diavolo per capello' is perfect for storytelling.
It's completely gender-neutral. Everyone uses it!
Yes! Even if you are bald, you can still have 'un diavolo per capello' figuratively.
Yes, usually putting your hands to your head or gesturing 'messy hair'.
Only if you are very close with the recipient. Otherwise, use 'sono contrariato'.
Frases relacionadas
Essere fuori di sé
synonymTo be beside oneself (with anger or joy)
Avere i nervi a fior di pelle
similarTo have nerves on edge
Perdere le staffe
similarTo lose one's stirrups (to lose one's cool)
Essere una pasqua
contrastTo be as happy as Easter
Avere il diavolo in corpo
builds onTo have the devil in the body
