lo strizzacervelli

Parola del giorno

I know that I have been MIA (missing in action) the last few months. I apologize profusely, but I have been working on finishing my first post-PhD book on economic sanctions over the last 12 months. It’s been a slog, but the book is finally out. Now I can take a breather (even though I’ve already started writing a second one) and focus on some other projects.

My goal over the next year is to pivot back to working on my sites/blog. One challenge is that my new job requires clearance for activities done outside of my normal duties, so I can only work a few hours per week. My goal is to carve out 1-2 hours per week to work on the site.

Today’s word inspired me to dust off the blog and web site. I was talking with an Italian friend about ‘anger management.’ I had to explain what it was, and he commented that it sounded like something uno strizzacervelli would say.

Not having ever heard the word strizzacervelli, I inquired a bit and figured out its meaning from the context of our conversation.

Today’s Parola del giorno is the noun lo strizzacervelli, which means shrink. It is an unflattering word meant to describe a psychologist/psychiatrist that helps people deal with the emotional problems and psychological illnesses.

See the word used below:

Stamattina sono andato in ufficio postale con la mia fidanzdata e ho litigato con altri clienti e l’impiegato allo sportello. La mia fidanzata mi ha suggerito di vedere subito uno strizzacervelli per curare la mia rabbia.

I went to the post office this morning with my girlfriend, and I argued with other customers and the clerk at the window. My girlfriend suggested I immediately see a shrink to deal with my anger.

I wish everyone a pleasant and safe holiday season!