matto grosso: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
very lowinformal, literary, or referential
Quick answer
What does “matto grosso” mean?
An Italian phrase literally meaning 'big mad' or 'very angry'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An Italian phrase literally meaning 'big mad' or 'very angry'.
In English contexts, may be used for stylistic effect to convey extreme anger, or as a misspelling of 'Mato Grosso' (a Brazilian state).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No established difference in usage between British and American English, as it is not part of standard English vocabulary.
Connotations
If used, it carries connotations of intense, possibly theatrical, anger.
Frequency
Extremely rare in both varieties.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Not used, except perhaps in discussions of Italian language or literature.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday English.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “matto grosso”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “matto grosso”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “matto grosso”
- Misspelling as 'Mato Grosso' (the Brazilian state).
- Using it in formal English contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is an Italian phrase meaning 'very angry'. It is not part of standard English vocabulary.
English speakers might approximate the Italian pronunciation as /ˈmætəʊ ˈɡrɒsəʊ/ (British) or /ˈmɑːtoʊ ˈɡroʊsoʊ/ (American).
It is often confused with 'Mato Grosso', a state in Brazil, due to similar spelling.
It is not recommended for standard communication. Use standard English synonyms like 'furious' or 'enraged' instead.
An Italian phrase literally meaning 'big mad' or 'very angry'.
Matto grosso is usually informal, literary, or referential in register.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'matto' sounding like 'mad toe' and 'grosso' like 'gross' – a grossly mad toe.
Conceptual Metaphor
ANGER IS A LARGE OBJECT (from 'grosso' meaning large).
Practice
Quiz
What is the most likely meaning of 'matto grosso' in an English context?