Is it true that vespas are called 'motorinis' in Italy or is my husband having me on?

Question

Is it true that vespas are called 'motorinis' in Italy or is my husband having me on?

Answer 1

I don t know where FUN BUN is coming from but I can tell you, for sure (because I AM Italian), that MOTORINO (Motorini is the plural) is the scooter and the VESPA can be called just VESPA or, in some cases, Scooter. So VESPA is, and was, just related to the famous VESPA and MOTORINO is used for all the other kinds of little scooter on the market.  In short terms: A VESPA is NOT a MOTORINO, NEVER!  There is a great passion around this object. Check it at http://www.it.vespa.com/it_IT/amo_vespa/...

CIAO, Luca

Answer 2

Motorinis are just small cars.  It wouldn't be odd to call a Vespa a motorini.

Answer 3

Hi! I'm italian! The word Motorino (plural motorini) is the general word for motorcycles! Vespas are only a type of motorcycle (motorini) and so are called motorini!!

BaCi!!! KiSsEs!!!

Answer 4

Vespa is the brand name, motorino is the name for scooter

Answer 5

Motorino (singular, plural is motorini) are scooters in general. Vespas are usually called "Vespa" because of the huge brand awareness. A motorino usually has a 50-100cc engine. Motorbikes are called "moto" (from "motocicletta").