Italian Slang
Words & Phrases

Learning local slang is fun and, at times, a rewarding part of traveling. It provides insight into the culture and personality of a place, and it allows you to connect with local people. Even if you're not fluent in a language, learning a few words and phrases can open the door to conversation, and native speakers will always appreciate your effort to traverse the language barrier.

20 Everyday Italian Expressions to Learn

These Italian colloquialisms are come il cacio sui maccheroni. Try incorporating some into your daily life and on your trips to Italy!

Expression	Meaning / Interpretation	Example in Use
Ahó Ah-ooo	“Hey, hi” – used to get someone’s attention	Ahó amici! (Hey friends!)
Allora Ah-loor-ah	“So” or “well”; can express impatience	Allora, vediamo. (Well then, let’s see.) / Allora! (Come on!)
Alito puzzolente Ah-leeto poot-zo-lente	“Stinky breath” – used to show disgust	Alito puzzolente, David! (Ew, David!)
Amore a prima vista Ah-more-eh ah pre-mah veez-ta	“Love at first sight”	It was amore a prima vista when I saw Tuscany.
Basta Bah-stah	“Enough!” or “Stop!”	Basta, basta! (Enough already!)
Bella Bell-ah	“Beautiful”	Ahó bella! (Hey beautiful!)
Boh Bow	“I don’t know” or “meh”	Boh, he shrugged.
Che figata! Chay fee-gah-tah	“How cool!”	Che figata! when seeing the Leaning Tower of Pisa.
Dai! Die	“Come on!” / “Let’s go!”	Dai, andiamo al Colosseo!
In bocca al lupo Een boh-kah al loo-poh	“Good luck!” (Literally “in the mouth of the wolf”) — the correct reply is Crepi il lupo! (“May the wolf die!”)	Appropriate before a big event or trip — the Italian way to wish one good luck.
Figurati Fig-oo-rah-ti	“No big deal” / “Don’t worry about it.”	Dropped your gelato? Figurati!
Fuori come un balcone Fwoo-ah-ri comb-eh oo-n bal-cone-eh	“Out like a balcony” – crazy or drunk	Sei fuori come un balcone! (You’re out of your mind!)
Magari! Mah-gah-rhee	“Maybe” / “If only!”	Will you move to Italy? Magari!
Meno male Men-oh mall-eh	“That’s good!” / “Phew!”	Meno male! They had more pastries.
Na cifra Nah cheif-i-rah	“A lot” (especially price)	It cost na cifra, but it was worth it.
Non fai scumbari No-en fie scoom-bar-ee	“Stop embarrassing me.”	A child to a parent: Non fai scumbari!
Pisolino Pee-zoh-lean-oh	“Nap”	I’m taking a pisolino on the beach.
Scendi? Shen-dee?	“Are you getting off?” (bus/train)	Scendi? someone might ask at the exit.
Tutto sale e pepe Too-toh sal-eh ee peh-peh	“All salt & pepper” – lively, fun person	She’s tutto sale e pepe!
Vivere alla giornata Vee-veh ah-lah joor-nah-tah	“Live for the day” / “Live in the moment”	Relax, vivere alla giornata — you’re in Italy!