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scemo
/ˈʃɛːmo/
fool
Non fare lo scemo!
Don't act like a fool!
informal
A person who is foolish or stupid; a simpleton.
Quel ragazzo è proprio uno scemo.
That guy is really a fool.
Non ascoltarlo, è uno scemo.
Don't listen to him, he's an idiot.
Often used colloquially to describe someone acting silly or making poor decisions.
informal
Foolish or stupid in behavior or thought.
È scemo a credere a quella storia.
He's foolish to believe that story.
Non essere scemo, non fidarti di lui.
Don't be stupid, don't trust him.
Can describe actions, decisions, or people.
Collocations
fare lo scemoto act foolishlyessere uno scemoto be a fool
Antonyms
Pro Tip
Avoiding Misuse
In Italian, 'scemo' is stronger than 'silly' but milder than 'idiot.' Tone and context determine whether it's playful or insulting.
Word Origin
From Latin *caecus* (blind), via Vulgar Latin *caemus*, with semantic shift to imply lack of judgment or common sense.
Usage Notes
Used in informal contexts, often affectionately or pejoratively depending on tone. Avoid in formal writing unless quoting dialogue.
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese