Mammone – or mama’s boy (from mamma = mom and the suffix -one. It literally means big mom, but masculine) – is a typical Italian phenomenon: many Italians live with their parents until well in their 30s and, sometimes, 40s.
Although there is a significant slacking-off component in it, the mammone phenomenon is not as clear-cut as many people think. There are several economic and social reasons for the existence of Mammoni. First, the social structure in Italy is much more family-centered and less individualistic vs. other countries. Second, rental contracts in Italy are very very tenant friendly — it may take 5 years or more to evict a tenant — so many landlords prefer to keep homes empty as an “investment” or for their own future (ex)mammoni kids. Finally, the Italian labor market is very rigid and wages are very low, hence both labor and social mobility are hampered.
All that said, the mammone nonetheless produces an endless amount great stories, most of them border on the sublime and some of them extreme and unique — like that of an over-sheltered 3-year-old (mammone status starts early in life of course) child with virtually no freedom of movement.
A few days ago a former student of mine signaled me a real gem: a Venice-based 41-year-old mammone is facing potential eviction from….his parents. His parents have sent him a letter, via their lawyer, giving him six month to get out or they will go to court. More intriguing is the fact that the 41-year-old kid still demands that his mother prepare meals and wash and iron his clothes.
Now, the recession has forced many US kids back to their parents’ nest, according to Pew Research. If you are one of them, please avoid all mammoni typical pitfalls: be grateful to your hosts and, more importantly, do your own laundry and learn how to fix or make a meal — or else.
