Italian Translations

[zute]

Google is telling me that "my pet" is "il mio animale domestico". That seems a bit wordy. Isn't there anything more succinct? 

"You look lovely, my domesticated animal." 

It sounds like you're talking to a farm animal!

Comments

[kismet76]

The literal meaning would be "cucciolo", as in "young dog/cat".

If you need a term of affection, though, "cucciolo" is ok but is used only by teenagers couples, not to adult lovers. Or, a parent may call "cucciolo" a child.

If you need any help with Italian/Antivan, I can definitely help! :D

[zute]

Thanks Kismet! So is there an equivalent term of endearment that an adult would use? Or is just not used in Italy? I suppose I can come up with something else. In this particular case, my pet was used almost literally, as the target of that is the submissive partner in a BDSM scenario.

[zevgirl]

I have no answers for you, Zute, but had to say that I'm intrigued. And also, I'm hoping (almost assuming, really) that this has something to do with our favorite Antivan. :D

[zute]

Yes ma'am! I'm working on a prompt from Zevgirl. :)

[zevgirl]

*grins* I take it back, you are not mean, you are wonderful!

Now I have something to smile about while I clean the house.

[kismet76]

Hmm, BDSM, you say? I pondered over this same issue for one of my fics, because apparently we don't have an equivalent with the correct meaning, and I came up with "gattina" (kitten), which in Italian is much more suggestive than I guess it is in English.

But if you need another term, I'd go for "piccola" for a female (meaning "little one"; I know it sounds weak in English, but it's quite suitable for the context), or "piccolo" for a male (same translation, obviously).

I know, they kinda suck, don't they? XD

[amhran_comhrac]

I can't help with the Italian, but I'd like to add that I'm going to start calling the next guy I date "my domesticated animal."
:D

[zute]

LOL!

I wonder how Italian people would differentiate between the pig that was the family pet versus the one they were having for dinner?

[kismet76]

Lol!

Seriously, though: pet is an animal you can keep in your home and take care of... An "affection animal"? Does it make any sense?

The animals you... eat... are just that, animals. :)

[niniane]

I'm not sure about Italian, but "comanero" is used for pet (also coworker and domestic partner...go figure). Languages don't really share direct translations, though, so calling someone "my pet" in another language might not be a term of endearment. "Caro" probably isn't that far off, really...