passaparola

Italian

Etymology

Verb-object compound, composed of passa (“to pass”) +‎ parola (“word”).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˌpas.sa.paˈrɔ.la/
• Rhymes: -ɔla
• Hyphenation: pas‧sa‧pa‧rò‧la

Noun

passaparola m (invariable)

1. (military) an order, repeated in a low voice, from one soldier to another in a series
2. (by extension) word of mouth, grapevine (spontaneous verbal communication among a group of people)

Coordinate terms

• telefono senza fili (“Chinese whispers”)

Related terms

• passare parola (“to pass the word”)