Draghi questions Italy's need to use English words such as "Baby Sitting" and "Smart Working," his ironic comment sparking a fresh debate on the topic.

Italian premier Mario Draghi, during his visit to the covid-19 vaccination hub at Rome's Fiumicino airport, cracked a joke about Italy's use of English words.

• Italian and new-entry anglicisms

Announcing new covid-19 measures, including a "baby sitting" bonus and plans to continue "smart working," Draghi asked: "Who knows why we have to use all these words in English."

• Italian vs English: short words for long

The observation by the premier comes amid increasing usage of English terms, both by government agencies and the Italian media, in recent years.

Photo Sky Tg24. Video Corriere della Sera.