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Italian Slang: Converse with Confidence! visualisation

Italian Slang: Converse with Confidence!

Speak Italian like a local with our slang guide!
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To sound like a native in Italian using slang and colloquial language, it’s helpful to learn popular informal expressions that Italians use daily. These include slang words, idiomatic phrases, and casual greetings that make your speech more natural and connected with local culture.

  • Figata / Figo — Means “cool” or “awesome,” used by younger Italians. Also refers to someone attractive.
  • Boh — A common expression meaning “I don’t know” or “who knows,” often said with a shrug.
  • Che palle! — Literally “what balls,” used to say something is annoying or a pain.
  • Raga — Slang for “guys,” often used to address a group of friends informally.
  • Scialla — Means “relax”, “chill out,” or “take it easy,” popular especially with Gen Z.
  • Meno male — Means “thank God” or “thank goodness.”
  • Romperle le scatole — Literally “to break the boxes,” means to annoy or bother someone.
  • Pantofolaio — Literally “slipper-man,” used for someone who prefers to stay home and be lazy, like a “couch potato.”
  • Tirare il pacco — Means to stand someone up or bail on plans.

Useful Conversational Phrases

  • Non mi va. — “I don’t feel like it.” Used to decline casually.
  • In bocca al lupo! — “Good luck!” (Literally “in the mouth of the wolf,” akin to “break a leg.”)
  • Acqua in bocca. — Tells someone to keep a secret (“water in the mouth”).
  • Figurati! — “It’s nothing” or “Imagine that!” to express disbelief or surprise.
  • Magari! — “I wish” or “if only,” used to express hope.

Tips to Sound More Italian-Native

  • Use filler words such as “dai”, “type”, or “cioè” to sound casual and natural.
  • Master the Italian intonation by listening to native speakers and trying to mimic the rises and falls in their speech.
  • Pronounce double consonants clearly; Italians emphasize them strongly.
  • Roll your Rs to match Italian phonetics.
  • Incorporate gestures and facial expressions for authenticity.
  • Listen actively to how Italians combine slang naturally in conversation.

Using these words and phrases sprinkled naturally will help speak Italian more like a local and deepen connections in casual settings and everyday conversations. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

If wanted, a more extensive list or specific phrases for certain contexts (e.g., young people, social settings, regions) can also be provided.

References

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