Have you ever heard a strange expression in Italian and then when you tried to translate it, it made no sense at all? This list of funny/weird Italian expressions may help you out as we explain the meaning behind them!
1. Che pizza!
Translated: What a pizza!
Meaning: What a bore!
2. Mangi la minestra o salti dalla finestra
Translated: Eat the soup or jump out the window.
Meaning: It’s my way or no way.
3. In bocca al lupo
Translated: In the wolfs mouth.
Meaning: Good luck! (or break a leg!)
4. Ma che cavolo!
Translated: But what cabbage?!
Meaning: What the heck/hell?!
5. Non fare il salame
Translated: Don’t make salami!
Meaning: Don’t be an idiot!
6. Essere al verde
Translated: To be green.
Meaning: To be broke.
7. Avere culo
Translated: To have ass.
Meaning: To be lucky.
8. Che baccala!
Translated: What a cod fish!
Meaning: What a fool!
9. Prendere in giro
Translated: To take for a spin.
Meaning: To tease/bother someone.
10. Porca miseria
Translated: Pigs misery.
Meaning: Damn it!
11. Avere le braccine corte
Translated: To have short arms.
Meaning: To be cheap. (Your arms are short and therefore you can’t reach your pockets)
12. Non avere peli sulla lingua
Translated: Don’t have hairs on your tongue.
Meaning: Say it like it is.
Do you know any other funny Italian phrases or expressions? Let us know in the comments.
Sources:
Main Photo by Priscilla Du Preez [Unsplash]
