Linguaggio Giovanile

In one of our Italian classes last week, we talked about slang that young people use. It was interesting to learn about the slang of another language, and I recognized some of it! Here are some translations (figuratively and literally) of a few good ones:

• Fighissimo/figo/ganzo/forte = cool/awesome, forte literally means strong
• Essere fuori (come un balcone) = To be crazy, literally to be outside (like a balcony)
• Che sfiga/sfigato = what a shame or how unfortunate
• Fare forca = to skip school, literally to use or make a pitchfork
• Palestrato = a guy who is very muscular and not so smart. Derived from palestra which means gym.
• Andare a palla = to go strong, literally to go to a ball
• Imbroccare/rimorchiare/abbordare = to "conquest" a guy or girl, literally to guess/tow/board

There are variations from North to South and in the different regions.

Many expressions are formed by che + a word (che sfiga, che pazzo).

Many English words are also used here, such as weekend, gay, OK, club, babysitter, shopping, and jeans. Computer, internet, and popcorn are others used that don't even have an Italian equivalent. Some words are derived from English words, like the verbs chattare, cliccare, and faxare.

Italians also commonly pronounce abbreviations like words, and I think it's kind of funny. So U.S.A. is pronunced oo-za.

I've also learned quite a few curse words here, from my host family, Italian movies, and other Italians while I'm out and about. I won't repeat them here, but if you are interested, I'll let you know.

That's all for now,
Caitlin