Umarell

Umarell (plural: Umarells) is a term originating from the Bolognese dialect of Italy, used to describe men of retirement age who spend their time loitering around construction sites, typically observing the work, offering unsolicited advice, and sometimes even supervising the activities. The word is derived from the Bolognese umarèl, diminutive of òmm (man).

The phenomenon of umarells is widespread throughout Italy, and the term has gained national recognition, even being formally recognized by the Accademia della Crusca, a prestigious Italian language academy. The umarell archetype is often portrayed as a retiree with nothing better to do, finding a sense of purpose and social interaction by monitoring construction projects. Their presence is usually harmless and sometimes even appreciated by workers, who may benefit from an extra pair of eyes or someone to fetch coffee.

The role of the umarell can be seen as a reflection of Italian culture's emphasis on civic engagement and a deeply ingrained interest in public works. While the term is sometimes used humorously, it also acknowledges a genuine concern for quality and efficiency in construction. In some cases, municipalities have even formally recognized and employed umarells as voluntary monitors of construction sites.

The concept embodies an observational and participatory aspect of Italian society, where retirees actively engage with their community and contribute their time, even if in an unofficial and often comedic capacity. The umarell is, in essence, a symbol of the active, involved retiree, a fixture of the Italian urban landscape.