buttana

Sicilian

Italian Wikipedia has an article on:

Le Buttane

Alternative forms

bottana

Etymology

Ultimately from Vulgar Latin *puttana, from Latin puta (“girl”), implying a formation from puta (“girl”) +‎ -āna (relationship of position, possession, or origin suffix).

The change from /p-/ to /b-/ is relatively unregular for Sicilian phonology (compare i.e. pusu~buzzu, “wrist”). For a similar change, compare Catalan barcella. The gemination is explained by the long vowel quantity of the desinence. The word Latin putta (“prostitute”) is attested in the sixth century (Gregory of Tours). The change of meaning from "girl" to "prostitute" is due to euphemism, a process that is well known to other periods and languages. Cognates are: Catalan putana, French putain, Italian puttana, Emilian putàna.

Pronunciation

IPA^(key): /butˈta.na/ (Standard)
Hyphenation: but‧tà‧na

Noun

buttana f (plural buttani)

(derogatory) Synonym of prustituta: a person (especially a woman) who offers sexual services for payment.
(vulgar, derogatory) A person who is sexually promiscuous; a slut.
(vulgar, derogatory) A person who is unscrupulous, especially one who compromises their principles for gain.
(vulgar, derogatory) A person who will violate behavioral standards to achieve something desired.
(vulgar, derogatory) A contemptible person.

Usage notes

Despite its feminine gender this noun can be used for male persons too. Cfr. pacchiuni.
Si' na gran buttana!
You are such a whore!

Synonyms

(prostitute): See also Thesaurus:prustituta

Derived terms

Related terms

Descendants

(regional) → Italian: buttana