scurzària

Sicilian

Alternative forms

• scurzaria (syneretic spelling)
• scuzzaria (regressive assimilated)

Etymology

From an unattested Vulgar Latin *scortearia, from the compound of scortea (“shell”) +‎ -āria (appurtenance suffix). Cfr. Sicilian scorcia. Compare semantically German Schildkröte.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /skuɾˈt͡sa.ɾi.a/ (Standard)
• IPA^(key): /skutˈt͡sa.ɾi.a/ (Regressively assimilated)
• Hyphenation: scuru‧zà‧ri‧a

Noun

scurzària f (plural scurzari)

1. Any of various land-dwelling reptiles, of the family Testudinidae, whose body is enclosed in a shell (carapace plus plastron). The animal can withdraw its head and four legs partially into the shell, providing some protection from predators.

   Synonym: (italianism) tartaruca

2. (by extension, nickname) Any person who resembles it for body constitution

   Synonym: scurzarieḍḍu

   U scurzarieḍḍu.

   He, the tortoise-like.

Derived terms

• scurzarieḍḍu

 

Related terms

• furficicchiu
• scurpiuni
• scursuni
• tartaruca
• taḍḍarita
• tiraciatu