Originally used in opera companies, "prima donna" is Italian for "first lady". The term was used to designate the leading female singer in the opera 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".

Legendarily, these "prima donnas" were often regarded as egotistical, unreasonable and irritable, with a rather high opinion of themselves, not shared by others.

Remind you of anybody? They could at least sing!