Tormentóne [tor-men-tó-ne]
This word sounds like torment and is quite similar in meaning.
Often this expression is used to describe a new song which gets way too much air time.
You know, the one pop song you hear literally everywhere and really can’t get away from even if you try.
In Italian it often refers to a summer hit song, as in the phrase:
Il tormentone dell’ estate [Ill tor-men-tó-ne dell e-stà-te] : The summer hit.
Think the Macarena dance craze of the 80’s or Gangnam style of the 2000’s and you will get the true sense of this word!
It can also be translated as catchphrase.
A tormentone can be any type of fad, joke, phrase or element of popular culture in general, anything which tends to get an excessive amount of exposure before eventually going out of fashion.
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I love learning new italian words. Thanks!
Great to hear from you Francis! Happy you enjoyed the post, I’m sure you could share a few phrases too 😉
I look forward to hearing this year’s il tormentone dell´estate when we visit Italy this year. 🙂
Yes! I just heard the new one from J-Ax and Fedez, it’s called Italiana and it sounds like a typical tormentone!!