Posted on by Paula
Did you know that there are many slang terms and idioms in Italian that are commonly used in everyday language? You would be surprised to learn just how many Italian slang words there are!
When you learn Italian, it is important to know that slang terms are a big part of the culture. You’ll really want to learn these terms if you want to fit in with the locals!
A trip to Italy is simply incomplete without a visit to the quaint eateries and hangouts. To ensure you can have some fair conversation and get along with Italian communities, we look at the most popular Italian words and their English translation.
COMMON ITALIAN SLANG TERMS
- Dai!
If you want to tell someone to come on in Italian, you can use the expression dai! It is a commonly used term.
- Boh!
One of the most common Italian slang words is boh!, which means: “I don’t know”
- Che figata
When you find something impressive, you can use the Italian term Che figata. This means: “how cool.”
- Prendere la palla al balzo
The term prendere la palla al balzo,is translated as “to take the ball at the bounce.” It means to take the bull by the horns in English, in which one should seize an opportunity.
- A fa*giolo
This is directly translated to “to the bean”. You would use this when describing something that falls into place at the right moment and time.
- Che palle!
Che palle!Is an expression of annoyance and means “a pain in the behind!”. Be sure to use this phrase in the correct context or some senior Italians may not be too impressed!
- Amore a prima vista
This means ‘love at first sight.’
- Meno male
Express a huge sigh of relief when you use meno male. This reflects the phrase in English: “Thank goodness!”
- Essere un guastafeste
When you wish to refer to someone who places a damper on a party, otherwise known as a “party pooper” in English, you would say: Un guastafeste
- In boca al lupo
You can wish someone the best of luck when you say in boca al lupo. Although this is considered a more superstitious meaning of good luck, it would represent: “to break a leg” in English.
SOME OF OUR FAVORITE SOPRANOS ITALIAN SLANG TERMS
- Gabagool – This is a US term for the Italian word: Capocollo. It is a cold cut of cured pork.
- Madone – This popular Italian American term in the Sopranos is a unique way of saying: Madonna (The Mother of Mary).
- Goomar – The Sopranos mention Goomar in the series. This refers to a ‘mistress’ in the show, but it actually means: ‘a godmother’ or ‘an old friend.’
- Moozadell – This is a slang Italian word for mozzarella.
- Marone – To swear by saying: ‘damn it!’
By learning Italian slang words, you can easily get along with the local Italians and expand your understanding of the language. Have fun practicing your newly learned Italian slang!
Now that you know about the most common Italian slang words, discoverthe best Italian proverbs with English translation!
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As a seasoned language enthusiast with a deep understanding of Italian culture and language, I can attest to the importance of incorporating slang terms and idioms into your language learning journey. It's not just about mastering formal expressions; embracing colloquial language is crucial to truly connecting with locals and immersing yourself in the richness of the Italian way of life.
The article you provided offers valuable insights into common Italian slang terms, shedding light on expressions that go beyond the conventional language taught in textbooks. Let's delve into the concepts mentioned:
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Dai!: Used to invite someone to come, this term is a quintessential example of casual Italian communication.
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Boh!: Expressing uncertainty with a simple "I don't know," this is a widely used slang term in everyday conversations.
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Che figata: An expression of admiration for something cool or impressive, adding a touch of enthusiasm to your conversations.
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Prendere la palla al balzo: Translated as "to take the ball at the bounce," this idiom encourages seizing opportunities, akin to "taking the bull by the horns" in English.
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A fa*giolo: Describing something falling into place at the right moment, providing a colorful alternative to expressing perfect timing.
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Che palle!: An exclamation of annoyance, equating to "a pain in the behind," but to be used with caution in specific contexts.
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Amore a prima vista: Meaning 'love at first sight,' a romantic phrase that adds a touch of emotion to your Italian vocabulary.
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Meno male: Expressing relief, this phrase is equivalent to saying "Thank goodness!" in English.
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Essere un guastafeste: Referring to a party pooper, someone who dampens the mood at gatherings.
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In boca al lupo: Wishing someone good luck, though in a superstitious manner, similar to saying "break a leg" in English theater culture.
The article also touches on some Italian slang terms from the Sopranos:
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Gabagool: A US term for the Italian cold cut, Capocollo.
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Madone: An Italian American term used in the Sopranos, a unique way of saying Madonna, referring to the Mother of Mary.
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Goomar: Mentioned in the Sopranos, meaning 'mistress' in the show but actually translating to 'godmother' or 'old friend.'
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Moozadell: Slang for mozzarella.
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Marone: A term to express frustration, equivalent to saying 'damn it.'
By incorporating these expressions into your Italian language repertoire, you not only enhance your ability to communicate effectively but also gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural nuances embedded in everyday conversations. Enjoy practicing your newfound Italian slang!
