<P> In opera or commedia dell'arte, a prima donna ((ˈpriːma ˈdɔnna); plural: prime donne; Italian for "first lady") is the leading female singer in the company, the person to whom the prime roles would be given . The prima donna was normally, but not necessarily, a soprano . The corresponding term for the male lead (almost always a tenor) is primo uomo . </P> <P> Prime donne often had grand off - stage personalities and were seen as demanding of their colleagues . From its original usage in opera, the term has spread in contemporary usage to refer to anyone behaving in a demanding or temperamental fashion or having an inflated view of oneself and a narcissistic attitude . </P>

Where did the phrase prima donna come from