Glossary
A prezzi modici/stellari
An Italian phrase meaning 'at low/high cost,' used to describe the price point of goods.
Example:
You can find some great deals a prezzi modici at the local market, but luxury items are often sold a prezzi stellari.
Acquistare
An Italian verb meaning 'to purchase' or 'to buy,' referring to the act of obtaining something in exchange for money.
Example:
Before you acquistare a new phone, it's wise to read reviews and compare prices.
Arrestare
An Italian verb meaning 'to arrest,' referring to the act of taking someone into custody by legal authority.
Example:
After a long investigation, the police managed to arrestare the leader of the counterfeiting ring.
Contraffatto/a
An Italian adjective meaning 'counterfeit' or 'imitated,' describing something that is a fake copy of an original.
Example:
Be careful when shopping online; many websites sell merce contraffatta that looks real but isn't.
Counterfeiting
The illegal act of manufacturing or selling fake products that imitate genuine brands, often of lower quality and sold at reduced prices.
Example:
The widespread problem of counterfeiting harms legitimate Italian businesses, especially in the luxury goods market.
Deceptive Practices
Methods used by counterfeiters to mislead consumers into believing fake products are authentic, often involving specific words, colors, or images.
Example:
Sellers of fake handbags often use deceptive practices, like mimicking brand logos and packaging, to trick unsuspecting buyers.
Economic Damage
The negative financial impact caused by activities like counterfeiting, leading to losses in revenue, jobs, and overall economic stability.
Example:
The economic damage from widespread counterfeiting can be substantial, reducing tax revenues and legitimate business profits.
Global Exporter
A country that sells a significant amount of its domestically produced goods and services to other countries worldwide.
Example:
Italy is a major global exporter of machinery, fashion, and exquisite food products like olive oil and cheese.
Homemakers
Traditionally, this refers to the primary role of women in Italian society, focused on domestic duties and family care within the home.
Example:
In the past, many Italian nonnas were primarily homemakers, dedicating their lives to their families and households.
Il marchio
An Italian noun meaning 'brand name' or 'trademark,' representing the identity of a product or company.
Example:
Many consumers are willing to pay more for products from a well-known marchio because of its reputation for quality.
Il mercato del falso
An Italian noun phrase meaning 'the trafficking of false products' or 'the counterfeit market,' referring to the illegal trade of fake goods.
Example:
Il mercato del falso poses a significant threat to the global economy and consumer trust.
Il prodotto falsificato
An Italian noun phrase meaning 'fake product' or 'counterfeit product,' referring to an imitation of an original item.
Example:
Buying il prodotto falsificato might save money initially, but it often leads to disappointment due to poor quality.
Illecito/a
An Italian adjective meaning 'illegal' or 'unlawful,' describing something that is forbidden by law.
Example:
Engaging in attività illecita can lead to severe penalties and legal consequences.
La merce
An Italian noun meaning 'goods' or 'merchandise,' referring to items that are bought and sold.
Example:
The ship arrived at the port, loaded with various types of merce from around the world.
Lo sfruttamento
An Italian noun meaning 'exploitation,' referring to the act of treating someone unfairly in order to benefit from their work or resources.
Example:
The documentary exposed lo sfruttamento of child labor in some parts of the world.
Lombardy
A region in northern Italy identified as a central hub for the market and distribution of counterfeited goods.
Example:
Authorities are working to combat the illegal trade in Lombardy, a region known for its concentration of counterfeit product distribution.
Made in Italy
A globally recognized brand and label indicating products manufactured in Italy, known for their high quality, craftsmanship, and design.
Example:
Many fashion enthusiasts seek out clothing with the Made in Italy label, trusting its reputation for superior quality.
Manufacturing focus
This refers to Italy's economic emphasis on producing goods, particularly due to its challenging terrain which historically limited agricultural expansion.
Example:
Italy's manufacturing focus has led to its global renown for luxury cars and high-end furniture.
Parità di genere
This Italian phrase translates to 'gender equity' or 'gender equality,' signifying the fair treatment and equal opportunities for all genders.
Example:
The movement for parità di genere in Italy aims to ensure equal pay and representation for women in all sectors.
Qualità inferiore/superiore
An Italian phrase meaning 'low/high quality,' used to describe the standard or excellence of a product.
Example:
Genuine Italian leather is known for its qualità superiore, while counterfeit versions are often of qualità inferiore.
Sequestare
An Italian verb meaning 'to confiscate' or 'to seize,' typically used when authorities legally take possession of goods or property.
Example:
The police were able to sequestare a large shipment of counterfeit designer bags at the border.
Sfruttare
An Italian verb meaning 'to take advantage of' or 'to exploit,' often used in the context of unfair labor practices or resources.
Example:
It's important not to sfruttare workers by paying them unfairly low wages.
Spacciare
An Italian verb meaning 'to sell illegally' or 'to peddle,' often associated with illicit goods like drugs or counterfeit items.
Example:
It is a serious crime to spacciare fake medicines, as they can be dangerous to public health.
Workforce
This term describes the segment of the population engaged in paid employment. In Italy, there's a growing trend of women entering the *workforce* in diverse professions.
Example:
Today, more Italian women are joining the workforce, pursuing careers in fields like engineering and medicine.