Whether you are traveling through Italy or looking to make some Italian friends along the way, picking up a few Italian slang words can work wonders to help you truly sound like a native. Because some of these phrases may be regional or highly informal, you might not find them in Italian dictionaries, textbooks, or even phrase books.
To help you master some popular Italian expressions we’ve listed out some common Italian phrase and slang terms that will get you speaking like a local. Some of these phrases are used for describing people or situations, while others have strange literal translations. And as soon as you start integrating them into your conversations, you’ll see the difference that they can make.
Like Americans, native Italians use slang words and phrases to quickly communicate their emotions. Although they may not be grammatically correct, these words are commonly used to explain many different types of situations in everyday life. Try out some of these Italian slang phrases and you’ll fit right in! 15 Italian Slang Words & Phrases
So what are some Italian slang words and phrases to know? Let’s dive in!
What is Awesome Slang for Italian?
There are several unique Italian slang words that could be called “awesome”, including:
- “Figo” is a word often used to describe something or someone as cool or impressive.
- “Magari” is a term used to express hope or wishful thinking.
- “Ciao” is a popular greeting or farewell term that has become widely known as an Italian slang word.
- Boh” is an expression used to convey confusion or uncertainty.
Those are just a few examples of some funny Italian slang words. If you want to learn more slang Italian words, keep reading – or ask your Italian tutor for some of their favorites! If you haven’t signed up for Italian lessons yet, be sure to do so, and check out the video below to learn more of the benefits of Italian lessons:
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23 Italian Slang Words & Phrases Everyone Should Know
Curious about some fun Italian slang words and phrases? Add this list of Italian slang words to your personal dictionary today!
1. Mettersi insieme
Similar to “seeing someone exclusively” in English, “mettersi insieme” means to begin a serious relationship with someone. You might use this phrase to describe your long-term partner or “fidanzato” (fiance).
2. Mollare qualcuno
Ouch! Use these Italian slang words when dumping a significant other. They’re roughly translated to “letting go” or “releasing someone free.”
3. Essere nelle nuvole
Italians use this phrase to describe someone who has his or her head in the clouds, or someone who’s constantly daydreaming.
4. Ricco sfondato
These Italian slang words are used to describe someone who’s rich. The phrase literally means “rolling in money.”
5. Veloce come un razzo
Similar to the American phrase,”fast as lightning,” “veloce come un razzo” means something or someone that is as fast as a rocket.
6. Amore a prima vista
Was it “love at first sight,” or as they say in Italy “amore a prima vista,” when you met your Italian crush? This is just one example of the dozens of Italian slang words to describe a romantic relationship.
Related: Fun and Interesting Facts About Italy
7. Alito puzzolente
Ew! You may need to use this Italian slang phrase to notify someone who has “bad breath.” It literally means “to eat dead bodies.” If you hear this phrase directed toward you, you might want to grab your toothbrush!
8. Guastafesta
When you hear this phrase, just hope that they’re not using it to describe you! What we know in America as a “Debbie downer,” is the Italian slang word, “Guastafesta.” This is someone who’s a spoiler or ruins the party.
9. Basta, basta
When your friend is annoying you, shout these Italian slang words which mean “enough is enough.” You can even just shorten it to “basta.”
10. I Malano miau
Are you shocked about what happened on last night’s episode of Game of Thrones? Use this Italian phrase to express shock or amazement.
11. Non fai scumbari
When your Italian grandmother won’t stop embarrassing you, simply say “Non fai scumbari” or “Stop embarrassing me.”
12. Pisolino
This Italian slang word means “afternoon nap,” which is very common in Italy. Plan on a nice “pisolino” before getting ready for dinner.
13. Gufare
If you or someone else is experiencing bad luck, use the Italian slang word, “gufare.”
14. Dai
Similar to the American saying “Come on,” “Dai” is used when you want someone to tag along or do something. It can also be used to say “stop it.”
See Also: Learn the Italian Alphabet
15. Boh
The equivalent of the American phrase “I don’t know,” “Boh” is a quick phrase to say when you’re being indecisive. You might use this expression when you can’t decide what to order at a restaurant–the lasagna or the risotto?
16. Ahó
Walk around the streets of Italy, and there’s a good chance you will hear someone shout, “Ahó,” at some point or another. This Italian slang term is simply an informal way to say, “Hey!” Use it with your new buddies and drag out the “oh” sound to fit right in.
17. Come il cacio sui maccheroni
This Italian slang phrase literally translates to mean “like sheep’s milk for the macaroni,” but it’s used to exclaim that two things go perfectly together. Some Italian speakers liken it to the English phrase, “Just what the doctor ordered.”
19. Figurati
Did someone accidentally bump into you? Use this phrase to express that it’s “no big deal” or “don’t worry about it.” Some might use “figurati” as a way to say, “no worries.”
20. Che figata
This is one Italian slang phrase that will certainly come in handy. It means “how cool!” Use it when your new friends invite you to a night out on the town or when you set your sights on the Colosseum for the first time.
21. Vivere alla giornata
This expression literally translates to “live during the day,” but the English equivalent might be more closely linked to the phrase “live in the moment.” Use this Italian slang if you want to encourage someone to slow down and take things one day at a time.
22. Tutto pepe
Even if you just know basic Italian, you might realize this phrase translates to “all pepper.” But what exactly does that mean? Many Italians use this slang phrase to describe someone as fun and lively, and in some cases, even spicy or spunky. If you’ve been described as “tutto pepe,” you can certainly consider it a compliment.
23. Magari
This phrase has a few meanings, but they all loosely mean “I wish” or “I hope.” In some cases, you can even use it to mean “maybe.” If someone asks if you plan on visiting Italy again, you can reply with a hopeful, “Magari!”
Common Italian Slang Words FAQ
While there are certainly some oddball Italian slang words here and there, there are a few words that come up again and again as some fan favorites. As you learn Italian, here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Italian slang words and phrases:
What does Gagootz mean in Italian slang?
If you ever hear the word “Gagootz” in Italian, don’t panic; it’s not an insult. Gagootz is actually Calabrian dialect for cucuzza, a long and curved squash that grows in southern Italy. It is a term of endearment and is often used to describe someone charming, eccentric, and even a little bit kooky.
What does chooch mean in Italian?
Chooch is a noun that describes someone who is clumsy, foolish, or has made a mistake. It can also be used to describe someone who is trying too hard to be liked or cool. So, if your Italian friend calls you a chooch, don’t take it too personally. Just laugh it off and keep the conversation going.
What does Scumbari mean in Italian?
Scumbari is another slang word that can be traced back to southern Italy, specifically from the town of Bari. It is used to describe someone who is cunning, sneaky, or manipulative. It’s not a compliment, so avoid using this word to describe your Italian grandma’s cooking skills.
What is Italian slang for homie?
If you’re looking for an Italian slang word for “homie,” “mate,” or “buddy,” then you might want to start using the word “Mica.” This term is often used among friends in informal settings to address each other, and it can be translated to “bro” or “dude” in English.
What does Putzi mean in Italian?
Putzi is a cute and affectionate term that is often used to describe little kids or pets. It’s a combination of the Italian word “piccolo,” meaning small or tiny, and the suffix -uzzi, which adds a sense of playfulness and endearment to the word. So, if your Italian friend calls your dog Putzi, he or she is probably just complimenting how adorable your pet is.
What Are Some Old Italian Slang Words?
If you’ve ever watched an Italian mobster movie (and let’s be real, who hasn’t?), you might have picked up on some old-fashioned slang words. But did you know that there are many more Italian slang words that were popular in the past but have since fallen out of use? Here are some interesting old-fashioned Italian slang words and phrases to know.
Capocci
Meaning “head” in Italian, this old slang word refers to someone who is the head of a particular group or crew. However, it was often used to describe someone who is bossy or controlling. For example, “Non mi piace il capocci di questo gruppo” means “I don’t like the head of this group.”
Tamarro
In the 80s and 90s, this Italian slang word was used to describe someone who was unrefined and lacking in taste. Think of it as the equivalent of “white trash” in America. Nowadays, you’re more likely to hear younger Italians use “cavolo” (“cabbage”) as a slang word for the same thing.
Fesso
This one is an old classic that dates back to the 16th century. Essentially, “fesso” means “idiot” or “moron.” It can be used as a playful insult between friends or as a pointed insult towards someone who has made a mistake. If you really want to sound old-fashioned, use the more formal version “fessacchiotto.”
Marrano
This derogatory slang word was used to describe Jewish people during the Inquisition in Italy. It is incredibly offensive and shouldn’t be used today. However, it is important to acknowledge the history of these words and why they are no longer acceptable.
Figuraccia
This is a term used to describe a situation where someone embarrasses themselves in public. It’s a great word to use when someone tells an embarrassing story about themselves, or when you witness someone else do something cringe-worthy. You can say, “Che figuraccia!” (“What a humiliation!”) to express your surprise or disbelief.
What Are Some Italian American Slang Words?
Italian American slang words have a rich history, dating back to immigrant times when Italians in America had to make do with limited resources. These words have evolved into a unique mix of Italian and English, creating a whole new dialect.
Here are some popular ones.
Alora
This is a phrase that is commonly used in conversation and can mean many different things. It can be used to show agreement, confusion, or excitement.
For example, “Alora, let’s go get some pizza!” or “Alora, what are we doing tonight?” You’ll often hear Italian Americans start sentences with “Alora” as a way to gather their thoughts and steer the conversation in a certain direction.
Madone
This slang word is basically the Italian version of “Oh my God!” or “Holy Cow!” It’s used to express a wide range of emotions, from shock to surprise, to disbelief.
For example, “Madone, I can’t believe you got that promotion!” or “Madone, that’s a lot of meatballs!”
Bafangool
This word is a derivative of the Italian phrase “Va fa in culo,” which is a pretty vulgar way of telling someone to go away.
But over time, it’s been softened a bit into “Bafangool,” which means something like “Get out of here!” or “You’re kidding me!” For example, “Bafangool, I can’t believe you ate that whole pizza by yourself!”
Capisce
This is a phrase that means “Do you understand?” It’s often used in a confrontational way and can be perceived as rude if you’re not familiar with the culture. But when used amongst Italian Americans, it’s a way of getting straight to the point and avoiding any confusion.
For example, “I need you to be at the restaurant by 6 pm, capisce?”
Fugeddaboutit
This is one of the most popular Italian American slang words and was made famous by movies like Goodfellas and The Sopranos. It basically means “Forget about it.” It’s used in a variety of situations and can express everything from resignation to pure sarcasm.
Try Out This Italian Slang Words List Today!
For example, “I’ll never get that promotion, fugeddaboutit,” or “You think you can beat me at bocce? Fugeddaboutit!”
Practice using these phrases when you’re speaking with your neighbors, enjoying a meal with friends, or shopping in Italy. The more you use them, the more comfortable you’ll get with them. And if you want to make sure you’re using these Italian slang words appropriately, practice speaking with a native or a private Italian tutor. Through one-on-one instruction, you will learn all the slang words you need to know to sound like a native in no time. And the best part? They’ll correct you if you use them incorrectly!
The more you use these Italian slang words and phrases in conversation, the better you will become at speaking Italian. Sign up for our in-person or online Italian lessons today!
Post Author: Liz T.Liz T. teaches Italian lessons in Brooklyn, NY. She is a graduate of the Berklee College of Music with a B.M. in vocal performance and has a graduate certificate in Arts Administration from New York University. Learn more about Liz here!
Suzy S.