2023-07-05 15:05:10
The Italian language has plenty of creative exclamations and, while some are now popular even outside of the country’s borders (think of Oh mama, what balls and a slew of more vulgar ones), there are some that aren’t as widely known internationally but are still very common among locals.
From what pulpit is one of them.
The phrase is actually the abbreviated form of Senti (or guard) from which pulpit is the sermon comingwhich is roughly translatable as ‘look at the pulpit the sermon’s coming from’.
As you may have already guessed, from what pulpit is a way to let someone know that, whatever they’re accusing you of, they’re guilty of it too.
Think of it as a more imaginative version of the English ‘look who’s talking’ or ‘you’re one to talk’.
You’re half an hour late. You’re amazing.
From what a pulpit! You are also never on time.
You’re thirty minutes late. You’re unbelievable.
Look who’s talking! You yourself are never punctual.
READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: How late is it usual to be in Italy?
It’s worth noting that Italian does have a direct equivalent for ‘look who’s talking’, i.e. Look Who’s Talking.
But Look Who’s Talking is often perceived as too mild a comeback when it comes to pointing out the hypocrisy of the person (or people) criticising you.
As such, many experienced speakers opt for a well-aimed from what pulpit to nip the personal attack in the bud.
For greater dramatic effect, you can also accompany the phrase with the ‘dismissal’ hand gesture, which is performed by throwing either one of your hands over the corresponding shoulder, as though you were trying to toss something behind you.
Wow, you are really messy.
From what a pulpit! Your room is a pile of dirty laundry.
Oh gosh, you really are messy.
You’re one to talk. Your room’s a pile of dirty laundry.
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