27 Essential Italian Slang Words And Phrases Flashcards
This is one of the quintessential Italian slang phrases and literally translates to ‘to have one’s hands in the pasta.’ However, it’s used among locals to describe someone who is always in everyone else’s business.
Avere la mani in pasta
When you’re in Northern Italy, you can use this as a way to say, ‘let’s go.’ It’s simply the shortened version of the Italian verb andiamo.
‘Ndom!
This is a common conjugation of the verb dare (to give), it’s used as slang in Italian that means ‘come on.’
Dai
This technically means ‘what thing?’ However, it’s often used as a way to describe someone who doesn’t know what they’re doing, or doesn’t understand something.
Che cosa
You can use this phrase if you want to ask, ‘How are you?’ in Italian slang.
Come te la passi?
This is one of the Italian slang words used to express uncertainty or not knowing the answer to a question. It’s like saying, ‘I don’t know’ in English.
Boh
This is an informal term for ‘guys’ or ‘friends’ commonly used by Italians.
Raga
This Italian phrase literally means ‘what a mess!’ but it’s often used to describe chaotic or confusing situations.
Che casino
This is another Italian slang phrase that has a pretty funny direct translation. It means, ‘what a big fig!’ but it’s used as slang to say, ‘how cool!’
Che figata
This Italian slang phrase is used as a way to say, ‘to tempt fate.’ However, when translated literally, it means ‘to put a straw in the fire.’
Mettere la paglia vicino al fuoco
This is a milder way to say ‘damn’ or ‘hell.’ Combined with ‘che’ as ‘che cavolo’ it means ‘what the hell.’
Cavolo
This is a very common Italian slang word that’s used every day. It means, ‘enough.’
Basta
Believe it or not, this is actually an Italian slang phrase that’s used as an exclamation of surprise or disbelief, similar to ‘oh my God’ or ‘oh my’
Mamma mia
This slang for Italian locals directly translates to ‘to be of the cat,’ however, it’s often used as a way to say ‘to get in trouble.’
Essere del gatto
This Italian expression is used when you want to talk about hitting rock bottom. However, it can also be used as a way to say that you’ve reached the end.
Essere alla frutta
You can use this Italian slang phrase when you want to say that you’re daydreaming. It directly translates to ‘to be in the clouds,’ so the slang actually makes a lot of sense!
Essere nelle nuvole
Alternatively, if you want to say that someone ‘has one’s head in the clouds,’ you can use this Italian slang phrase. It’s meant to be used as a description for someone who’s distracted.
Avere la testa tra le nuvole
This is a way to say, ‘Don’t mention it’ or ‘no problem.’ It’s also similar to saying ‘don’t worry’ in Italian slang.
Figurati
This is the slang word for ‘chill’ or ‘relax.’ It’s another variation of don’t worry in Italian slang.
Scialla
This phrase directly translates to ‘less bad,’ but it’s often used as Italian slang for ‘thank God’ or ‘thank goodness.’
Meno male
This directly translates to ‘like sheep’s milk for the macaroni,’ but that’s not how it’s used. Instead, it’s slang for Italian locals that’s used the same way as the English phrase, ‘just what the doctor ordered.’
Come il cacio sui maccheroni
This slang for an Italian is used to say ‘to take a drink.’ Its literal translation, however, means ‘to raise the elbow.’
Alzare il gomito
This is another funny Italian slang. The direct translation means, ‘That makes me poop,’ but it’s often used as a way to express disgust or disdain.
Mi fa cagare
If someone is being mean, you can say ‘sei scemo.’ Although it means ‘you’re shrinking,’ it’s commonly used as slang for an Italian who is being unpleasant.
Sei scemo
