Michael Korovkin Nov 3, 2011:

You're both right. However, general well-known definitions and guidlnes notwithstanding, while seemingly adhering to the area of "cultural mitigation/mediation", you are dangerously closeto the realm of censorship. As for the case in point, it looks straightforward enough a vulgarity; and I stand on an opinion that translating it with such, beg pardn', Brontesisterish terms as "puss" "wuss" (how about "a softy" to boot?) is not legitimate. Cheers yall :)

Russell Jones Nov 3, 2011:

Culture not words Our job is to interpret cultures not just words, i.e. to use the terms that would be used in a similar context in the target language. But this discussion belongs in the forums, not here.

Cedric Randolph Nov 3, 2011:

Acceptable? The acceptability of a term, particularly in a translation is completely relative to: context, target readership, context, translator's ability to set aside personal qualms, context, translator's choice and courage and I repeat context as that is primary as it covers tone, tenor, mode, and a whole slew of other factors that are to be considered when translating. This sounds like a dialogue in a narrative or a drama. If the term pussy or wuss were to be chosen it could greatly change the tenor of the speaker's utterance and therefore characterization. Nevertheless, that is exclusively the choice of the translator and must be left up to her/him entirely. We are merely offering possible suggestions. In my opinion concerns about morality and acceptability are completely out of place when translating such language, which needs to speak for itself.

Michael Korovkin Nov 3, 2011:

Russel, Ours is not to censor but to translate faithfully. And should the adequate translation evince the, undeniably, rampant vulgarity in today's Italy, so be it. Ain't our fault. Ambasciator non porta pena.

Russell Jones Nov 3, 2011:

Target audience is important It is important to bear in mind that terms such as these are regarded as acceptable by a much larger percentage of people in Italy than is the case in the UK at least. I can't speak for the US.

Michael Korovkin Nov 3, 2011:

Hey, Dean Ryan! Your "limp dick“ (please note the inverted commas!!!) is just perfect! Why don't you put it as a suggestion? I didn't think of it in time, and suggested a more gentle version "ball-less wonder". The lack of the spheres implies the limpness of the depending (and now hopelessly pending) attribute, but saying it straight is even better.

Cedric Randolph Nov 3, 2011:

Literal may be good here The term is literally limp dick - quite commonly used in both US and GB slang