Polentone

Polentone (plural: polentoni) is a primarily derogatory Italian term used to refer to people from the northern regions of Italy. It literally translates to "polenta-eater," referring to polenta, a dish made from boiled cornmeal, which is a staple food in Northern Italy.

The term carries connotations of being unsophisticated, provincial, or rustic. It is often used, particularly by people from Southern Italy, to stereotype Northerners as being simple, slow-witted, or culturally backward. While the term itself refers to a food preference, its usage extends beyond simple culinary observation to encompass broader cultural and social prejudices.

The use of polentone is often considered offensive due to its association with regional stereotypes and historical divides within Italy. The term highlights the socio-economic disparities between the historically more affluent North and the less developed South, and often reinforces existing tensions. While sometimes used humorously between friends from different regions, it carries the potential for causing offense depending on the context and the relationship between the speakers. Its use can be interpreted as a sign of regional chauvinism.