One of the more unusual streets in Rome for its name, is that of the Via delle Zoccolette.
The name appears to have originally derived from the fact that on this street there was an institution for orphans, commonly called “zoccolette”.
There are two interpretations of this name: the first is that “zoccolette” derives from the shoes worn by the orphans.
In Italian one meaning of zoccole is “clogs”, so the name would be “little clogs”.
Another, less wholesome use of the word “zoccola” is a vulgar term for a prostitute in the Italian language.
It is unclear whether the term for the orphans was meant to be derogatory, or simply to reflect the fact that unless the orphans were adopted by a family or found a husband, they would find themselves on the streets.
In fact, one of the tasks of the orphanage was to teach the girls sewing, embroidery and other household tasks such that they could aspire to marry if lucky enough.
Whatever the case, these days saying you live on “via delle zoccolette” could have some amusing consequences!
