Italian Slang
Italian is the official language of Italy, but I’m sure you have wondered at least once what language Italian speaks daily. The Italian gergo (slang) is the informal, vibrant language that is used everyday in conversations in Italy.
If you want to connect with natives, enjoy Italian culture, and elevate your fluency, learning Italian slang is a must: it is a dynamic part of language, that draws from regional dialects, youth culture, and modern trends.
Italy’s rich tapestry of regional dialects profoundly shapes its slang. These dialects are so distinct that even I, Italian from birth, struggle to understand most of them.
In general, Italian slang mirrors the country’s history and cultural shifts. It conveys camaraderie, humor, and identity. We use it to poke fun, express frustration, or assert independence.
In this article, I will guide you through the 10 most common Italian slang expressions. Be careful: they are very informal expressions, so you must know when to use them! Check the most common Italian slang expression as well!
Italian Slang Words
Boh
- Meaning: I don’t know.
- Context: Expresses indifference or uncertainty in a casual, nonchalant way.
Chi vincerà la partita stasera?
Who’s going to win the game tonight?
Boh!
I don’t know!
Basta
Meaning: Enough!
Context: Used firmly to say “stop!” or “that’s it!”
Sono pieno, basta! Non voglio più carne!
I am full, enough! I don’t want any more meat!
Dai
Meaning: Come on!
Context: Encourages someone to act or conveys a pleading tone.
Balliamo insieme?
Let’s dance together.
No.
No.
Dai!
Come on!
Figo/Figa
Meaning: Cool/Hot.
Context: Describes something stylish or someone attractive. Be mindful, as it can sound flirtatious depending on the tone.
Che vestito figo!
What a cool dress!
Figurati
Meaning: No problem/Don’t mention it.
Context: Used to reassure someone or express nonchalance about a favor.
Grazie per l’aiuto!
Thanks for the help!
Figurati!
Don’t mention it!
Cazzeggiare
Meaning: To waste time or goof off.
Context: Refers to engaging in unproductive or silly activities. It is very informal, stemming from the curse word cazzo, so watch out for the context you use it in!
Sto cazzeggiando su TikTok.
I’m wasting time on TikTok.
Bella
Meaning: Hi/Bye (literally “beautiful”).
Context: Used casually as a greeting, especially among friends.
Poi ci vediamo! Bella!
I’ll see you then! Bye!
Scialla
Meaning: Chill out.
Context: Used to tell someone to relax or to describe a carefree attitude.
Non preoccuparti, scialla!
Don’t worry, chill out!
Magari
Meaning: Maybe/I wish.
Context: Can express hope or uncertainty depending on the tone.
Cavolo
Meaning: Darn/Wow (literally “cabbage”).
Context: A mild expletive used to express surprise, frustration, or disbelief.
Cavolo, ho dimenticato le chiavi!
Darn, I forgot my keys!
Beccare
Meaning: To catch or bump into someone.
Context: Informally used to mean meeting someone by chance or hooking up.
L’ho beccato al bar ieri sera.
I bumped into him at the bar last night.
Spaccare
Meaning: To rock or to excel.
Context: Describes something amazing or someone doing exceptionally well.
La tua performance ha spaccato!
Your performance rocked!
In the north of Italy, it can also take on the meaning of being very funny or hilarious.
Quella ragazza mi fa spaccare!
That girl makes is hilarious to me!
Regional Variations in Italian Slang
Sicily
- Babbiare (to joke around or mess with someone)
Sto solo babbiando!
I’m just joking!
- Camurria (nuisance or annoyance)
Questo lavoro è una camurria.
This job is such a nuisance.
Milan (Lombardy)
- Sgamare (to catch someone red-handed or figure something out)
L’ho sgamato mentre mentiva.
I caught him lying.
- Tipo/Tipa (guy/girl, in a relation-related sense)
Oggi Giulia non esce, sta col tipo.
Today Giulia is not hanging out, she’s with her guy.
Venice (Veneto)
- Bon (good, okay. Used informally as a replacement for bene)
Come è andato l’esame?
How did the exam go?
Bon!
Good!
Florence (Tuscany)
- Bischero (silly or fool, used humorously)
Ma sei proprio un bischero!
You’re such a fool!
- Ganzo (cool or clever, describing something impressive or someone witty)
Che ganzo quel ragazzo!
That guy is so cool!
Turin (Piedmont)
- Ciapà (to grab or catch)
L’ho ciapà al volo!
I caught it on the fly!
Why Learn Italian Slang?
Learning Italian slang lets you engage with the language and culture on a personal level. It helps you sound more natural, understand jokes and local humor, and navigate casual conversations effortlessly.
What I feel is that Italian slang bridges the gap between textbook Italian and real-life interactions. Start incorporating these words into your vocabulary and experience Italy like a local.
Slang isn’t just about language, it’s about connection, culture, and authenticity. Che figata, no?
