Caterina Balivo sparks debate over use of term ‘mammo’ for father

Italian television host Caterina Balivo has sparked social media controversy following her use of the term ‘mammo’ (mommy) during an episode of ‘La Volta Buona’ on Rai 1. While interviewing Aurora Ramazzotti, who is competing in ‘Ballando con le stelle’, Balivo referred to Ramazzotti’s husband, Goffredo Cerza, as a ‘mammo’ because he was caring for their son in Milan while Ramazzotti was away for rehearsals.

The comment triggered significant backlash online, with critics labeling the term sexist and outdated, arguing it reinforces patriarchal views by implying that a father performing parental duties is doing something exceptional rather than simply being a parent. Some users suggested the term ignores the reality of modern gender roles and the gender gap.

Journalist Vittorio Feltri weighed in on the debate, criticizing the use of such labels. He argued that a father caring for his children is ‘simply a father doing being a father’ and mocked the trend of creating new linguistic labels for parenting roles, suggesting that the terms ‘mother’ and ‘father’ are sufficient regardless of the specific domestic tasks performed.