10 Infatuating Italian Words With No English Translation
Alright, not to get too deep right off the bat, but… language is one of the most infatuating, illuminating aspects of humanity. Language illustrates our culture’s unique traits, preferences, and perspectives. And that’s why when we discover other languages’ “untranslatable” expressions, we are able to peek into our deeply rooted cultural differences. It’s inspiring to find words that perfectly demonstrate a feeling, a sight or an experience we know well but simply do not have the vocabulary for in our native tongue.
In starting Roaming Italy, I knew that I’d be cooking my heart out… but I’d also be spending countless hours learning the history, culture and the language of the country! Today, I wanted to share some of the most beautiful Italian words I’ve learned with no direct English translation.
Culaccino
Nearest translation: “the mark left by a wet glass on a tablecloth”
We all know Italians love a long, languid dinner meal… hours spent sipping wine, enjoying the company, loving every minute of the conversation. It only makes sense that the Italian language has the perfect word to illustrate the water marks of the aftermath of a great, soul-fulfilling meal.
Spaghettata
Nearest translation: “spaghetti party”
Okay, if you ever get invited to a “spaghettata” - prepare your stomach, because it’s about to be a delicious night! This type of event serves one purpose, to indulge in a drool-inducing meal! P.S. a “spaghettata” does not necessarily have to be filled with entirely pasta options, but a feast with lots of treats!
Abbiocco
Nearest translation: “drowsiness after a delicious meal”
Another food word that perfectly illuminates the feeling of drowsiness that comes after a great meal! We all know the feeling of succumbing to the sleepiness after a feast! I mean, I certainly do…
Passeggiata
Nearest translation: “a walk about”
If you ever see a person taking a leisurely stroll before dinner, soaking in the sights, walking at their own pace… you’ve seen a “passeggiata” in action! It’s not an actionable walk, but one that is done for one’s own pleasure.
Boh!
Nearest translation: “I have no idea!”
Perfectly summarizing a more complex notion of “I don’t know” mixed with “why would I know that?!” - “boh!” is a nearly perfect expression for frustration!
Gattara
Nearest translation: “crazy cat lady”
Alright, we know this one in English! But Italy’s version usually means an older woman who wanders the streets looking for stray cats to take in, often spending all of her energy and money on taking care of them.
Gibigianna
Nearest translation: “light reflected on the water”
A magical visual… this one word perfectly describes the dancing sparkle that comes from moving water. It also is used to describe a woman who flaunts herself!
Baffona
Nearest translation: “woman with a mustache”
This descriptor is a casual term for a woman who sports a fuzzy upper lip. It’s certainly not a positive word, but hey!
Pantofolaio
Nearest translation: “a person who’s happy to hang around the house with slippers and a robe”
We all know what a couch potato means, but the Italians have a different way expressing a similar idea! If you’re feeling lazy and content to just hang out around the house in your cozy clothes, you’re practicing the art of a “pantofolaio.”
Meriggiare
Nearest translation: “a midday nap in a shady spot”
This verb was famously used by poet Eugenio Montale who wrote "Meriggiare pallido e assorto/presso un rovente muro d'orto,/ascoltare tra i pruni e gli sterpi/schiocchi di merli, frusci di serpi." "To slump at noon thought-sick and pale/under the scorching garden wall,/to hear a snake scrape past, the blackbirds creak/in the dry thorn thicket, the brushwood brake.” Gorgeous.
