passaparola

Italian

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˌpas.sa.paˈrɔ.la/[1]
  • 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)
  • passare parola (to pass the word)

References

  1. ^ passaparola in Dizionario Italiano Olivetti, Olivetti Media Communication