Umarell

Umarell (Italian spelling of the Bolognese Emilian word umarèl, Emilian pronunciation: [umaˈrɛːl]; plural umarî) are men of retirement age who spend their time watching construction sites, especially roadworks – stereotypically with hands clasped behind their back and offering unwanted advice to the workers.^[1] Its literal meaning is "little man" (also umaréin).^[2] The term is employed as lighthearted mockery or self-deprecation.

The modern term was popularised in 2005 by local writer Danilo Masotti^[3][4] through three books and an associated blog.^[5][6] In 2021, the word was included in the Zingarelli dictionary.^{[7][8][9][10][11]}