Che Brutta Figura! The Bad, and the Ugly.

Italians have a way of putting concepts neatly into little sayings: easily, “dolce far niente”, “la dolce vita”, and “la bella figura” come to mind. The last one, particularly, permeates Italian culture and society in everything an Italian does – so does its inverse, la brutta figura.

La bella figura, and la brutta figuta, are ways of living that focus on the outward appearance, or impression, one makes on their social circles and beyond. It also encompasses your gestures, or acts towards others.

The “good impression” starts with how Italians dress, how someone carries themselves physically. However, it moves beyond the physical appearance and through to one’s conduct – decorum, and manners, become part of the desire to “fare la bella figura” (make a good impression), because Italians notice everything (and talk about it too). The development of one’s appearance, and conduct, comes with the understanding that it is not enough to think it, one must display it through acts and gestures towards others; this is what makes for la bella figura.

While the focus is generally on the good impression, Italians are also mindful of the “brutta figura” – the bad behavior that makes one’s impression on others less than desirable – che brutta figura is not a phrase you want to hear, and certainly not about something you have done.

Che Brutta Figura

The concept of brutta figura goes beyond the individual – to commit a bad impression could also bring upon brutta figura to the individual’s family. Many Italian parents are always keeping a watchful eye to ensure their children don’t bring upon a negative reputation to the family home.

Essentially, brutta figura is one end of the Italian’s social barometer for their conduct, and how others perceive it. It’s quite important to an Italian to be seen in a positive light, as Carol King writes: “the desire to avoid making a bad impression, a ‘brutta figura’, or ‘ugly figure’, is paramount.” As suggested, the desire to avoid the brutta figura permeates through all matters of daily life.

Examples

Simply, the outward appearance is a testimony of what is happening inward. As such, the brutta figura of appearance reflects your current state of being, and wellness. It is an indication of what is happening within you, and how it manifests to others with whom you come into contact. But as we’ve mentioned, brutta figura extends beyond the physical. Brutta figura also springs from one’s gesture, or acts. If one is looking to avoid brutta figura, the safest course is to consider: what would be the polite thing to do, the kind thing to do?   

In terms of gestures, one way to exhibit brutta figura is to “nickel and dime” at a lunch, or dinner with friends, or, perhaps, never taking one’s turn to reciprocate an act of generosity (hint: if your friends or family pay for a meal out twice in a row, there may whispers of “che brutta figura”.) Another is to appear at an event in the wrong attire. Being underdressed may demonstrate to your host a lack of care or respect for the inviter and the importance of the invitation.

Similarly, do you attend an event for a quick appearance, always looking at your watch, or worse, rushing out before your host serves dolci? Signaling to your host that you have more pressing matters on your mind will surely give way to a bad impression.

There are many other examples; these only touch the surface. Brutta figura is a challenging path to navigate, but the essence of it all is trying avoid doing something that hurts, or insults someone, or one’s self. While we are imperfect beings, and la brutta figura is not about perfection, but it is about striving to act in a way that gives way to things like self-respect, civility, courtesy, and consideration.

Perhaps idealistic, but even in the attempt, just trying to make the world around you a better place can leave a lasting impression, one that will leave others saying the words everyone truly wants to hear: “che bella figura.”