fare le corna

Italian

Etymology

Literally, “to make the horns”.

Verb

fàre le corna (first-person singular present fàccio le corna, first-person singular past historic féci le corna, past participle fàtto le corna, first-person singular imperfect facévo le corna, second-person singular imperative fài le corna or fà' le corna, auxiliary avére)

1. to make the sign of the horns

Usage notes

• This sign is made with the fist clenched and the index finger and little finger extended, to offensively indicate that a person is a cuckold, especially when directed towards someone. However, if the same sign is pointed downward in response to an unfortunate event, to the mentioning of such an event, or to the evil eye, it takes on an apotropaic meaning as a gesture meant to ward off bad luck.