stiḍḍa

See also: stidda

Sicilian

Alternative forms

• stidda (eye dialect)
• steḍḍa, stella (misspelled and Italianized)

Etymology

From Latin stēlla, from Proto-Italic *stērolā, from Proto-Indo-European *h₂stḗr.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈstiɖ.ɖa/ (Standard)
• IPA^(key): /ˈsti.da/ (Weak retroflection)
• Hyphenation: stì‧ḍḍa

Noun

stiḍḍa f (plural stiḍḍi)

2. (astronomy) A luminous celestial body, made up of plasma (particularly hydrogen and helium) and having a spherical shape. Depending on context the sun may or may not be included.
3. (geometry) A concave polygon with regular, pointy protrusions and indentations, generally with five or six points.
4. A person who is dear to one.

   Synonyms: ciatu, vita, sangu, sangu miu

   Marìa, a figghia cchiù nica, era sempri a so stiḍḍa.

   Mary, the youngest daughter, was always her darling.

5. (printing) An asterisk (*).
6. A symbol used to rate hotels, films, etc. with a higher number of stars denoting better quality.
7. (astrology) A planet supposed to influence one's destiny.

   Stiḍḍa ca curri.

   Unlucky star.

8. (Organized crime) The Stiḍḍa, a Mafia-type criminal organization centered in the central-southern part of Sicily.
9. A star-shaped ornament worn on the breast to indicate rank or honour.

Interjection

stiḍḍa

1. (mildly vulgar) An expression of surprise, outrage, or frustration.

   Stiḍḍa 'i to soru!

   (literally) Your sister's star!

Descendants

• Maltese: stilla

Related terms

• stiḍḍa di to soru
• stiḍḍarolu
• stiḍḍaru
• stiḍḍatu

 

See also

• celu