essere una testa calda
Marco è una testa calda, si arrabbia per un nonnulla!
Marco is hot-headed, he gets angry over nothing!
To be impulsive, quick-tempered, or prone to angry outbursts.
Non litigare con lui, è una testa calda e potrebbe reagire male.
Don't argue with him, he's hot-headed and might react badly.
Era una testa calda da giovane, ma con gli anni si è calmato.
He used to be hot-headed when he was young, but he's calmed down over the years.
Often implies a tendency toward reckless or aggressive behavior rather than just general irritability.
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Pro Tip
Context matters
Use 'essere una testa calda' for someone who is habitually impulsive or angry, not for a single outburst. For a one-time event, 'perdere la testa' (to lose one's temper) is more appropriate.
Gold Rule
Avoid literal translation
Don't translate 'testa calda' as 'hot head' in English—it's 'hot-headed.' The literal meaning ('hot head') is not idiomatic in English.
Word Origin
From the literal sense of 'testa' (head) + 'calda' (hot). The metaphorical use dates back to at least the 19th century, reflecting the idea of a 'hot head' as a symbol of anger or impulsivity.
Usage Notes
Commonly used in informal contexts to describe people who act without thinking, often leading to conflicts. The phrase emphasizes a character trait rather than a temporary state.