Italian Phrase
È di pessimo umore.
Meaning
This phrase is used to describe someone who is extremely irritable, grumpy, or having a very bad day. The word 'pessimo' is the absolute superlative of 'cattivo' (bad), emphasizing that the mood is as bad as it can be. It signals that the person might be difficult to approach or talk to at the moment.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to warn someone else about a third person's foul mood or to explain why someone is acting unfriendly. It is appropriate for both casual and professional contexts.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Èdipessimoumore
Essere (È)
The third-person singular of the verb 'essere' (to be) is used here to describe a current state.
Preposition 'di'
In Italian, the state of being in a mood is expressed using 'di' (of) rather than 'in'.
Pessimo
This is an irregular absolute superlative of 'cattivo'. It does not require 'molto' because the intensity is built into the word.
🗨In Conversation
Hai parlato con il capo stamattina?
Did you talk to the boss this morning?
No, meglio evitare. È di pessimo umore.
No, better to avoid it. He is in a terrible mood.
✕Common Mistakes
È in pessimo umore.
Italian uses the preposition 'di' (of) rather than 'in' to describe being in a mood.
È di molto pessimo umore.
'Pessimo' is already a superlative meaning 'very bad', so adding 'molto' is redundant.
↔Alternatives
È di cattivo umore.
He/She is in a bad mood.
Ha la luna storta.
He/She is in a grumpy mood (literally: has the crooked moon).
Cultural Tip
Italians often use celestial metaphors for moods; 'avere la luna storta' is a very common idiomatic way to say someone is grumpy. However, using 'pessimo umore' is more direct and highlights the severity of the person's state, often used to suggest giving them some space.