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10 English Words of Italian Origin

Tortellini, linguine and fettuccine are all names of pasta that we as English speakers use pretty frequently. In fact, we use quite a lot of Italian words and probably don't even realize. Check out this list of 10 common English words that come from Italian origin. 

 

Tortellini, linguine and fettuccine are all names of pasta that we as English speakers use pretty frequently. In fact, we use quite a lot of Italian words and probably don’t even realize. Check out this list of 10 common English words that come from Italian origin.

 

1. Barista

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Photo by quan le on Unsplash

Meaning barman or bartender.

 

2. Graffiti

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Photo by Jase Ess on Unsplash

The artwork you see within cities that are usually done without permission.

 

3. Stilleto

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Photo by Amanda Vick on Unsplash

The high heels girls love to wear.

 

4. Broccoli

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Photo by Joanna Kosinska on Unsplash

The yummy vegetable from the cabbage family.

 

5. Diva

 

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Photo by Vlah Dumitru on Unsplash

 

Although it means a famous female opera singer, it can commonly be used towards a female who is temperamental and self-absorbed.

 

6. Apartment

 

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Photo by Brandon Griggs on Unsplash

 

Shortened from the Italian word apartamento.

 

7. Pepperoni

 

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Photo by Alan Hardman on Unsplash

 

What we know as the meat that goes on pizza, the Italian word pepperoni actually means peppers.

 

 

8. Jeans

 

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Photo by Mnz on Unsplash

 

Named after the city of Genoa in Italy where jeans were first manufactured.

 

9. Concert

 

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Photo by Yvette de Wit on Unsplash

 

The word concert comes from the Italian word concertare which means to harmonize.

 

10. Arugula

 

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Photo by Jose Soriano on Unsplash

Arugula got its name from the Italian name for this plant, rucola.

 

Do you know any other words we use that come from Italian origin? (Other than every pasta name). Let us know in the comments.

 

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Sources:

Main Photo by Sven Vreuls [Unsplash]

 

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