Word of the Week
Written by admin on 15 February, 2009 – 6:36 pm -
Another expression this week.
a ufo (variants include: uffo, uffa, aufo, a buffo, a ufa, auffa)
free, without paying
- vivere a ufo – to live off others
- un pranzo a ufo – a free lunch
This originates from the Latin expression ad usum fabricae (abbreviated AUF) meaning destined to be used in the factory. When the Catholic Church was constructing the Duomo in Milan it was necessary to transport marble blocks along the river from Lake Maggiore. To avoid paying the river toll the blocks were labelled AUF.
How many of you have heard this expression before?
Posted in Language |
By The MDs on Feb 21, 2009 | Reply
Come si dice in Italiano “There is no such thing as a free lunch”?
By Mike Coyle on Feb 21, 2009 | Reply
Good question MD. “Nessuno ti da niente per niente” is the Italian equivalent of “There is no such thing as a free lunch”.