cufenaturo

Neapolitan

Alternative forms

• cufanaturo

Etymology

From cuofano +‎ -turo, the former from Latin cophinus, from Ancient Greek κόφινος (kóphinos, “basket”).

Pronunciation

• (Naples) IPA^(key): [kufənaˈtuːrə]

Noun

cufenaturo m (plural cufenature)

1. washtub
   • 18th c., Cicerenella, popular Neapolitan song:

     Cicerenella teneva 'no culo // che pareva 'no cufenaturo.

     Cicerenella had a bottom // that looked like a washtub.

   • 1976, La Gatta Cenerentola, third act, "Il coro dei soldati [The Soldiers' Chorus]":

     Nun avite appaura! // Cacciate 'o pere annura! // Ogni surdato piglia 'a mesura // pe' nu' scassa' 'o cufenaturo!

     Don't be afraid! // Bring out the naked foot! // Each soldier takes measurements // not to be a hassle (lit. break the washtub)!