Italian culture has significantly influenced various aspects of life around the world, and one such area is the English language. English speakers often use Italian words and phrases, sometimes without even realizing it. Here are some common Italian words that have found a place in the English vocabulary.

Allegro
Allegro is a musical term that means “fast, quickly, and bright.” It describes a lively tempo and is often used to denote a cheerful musical piece or movement.
The symphony started with an allegro movement, which set an uplifting mood for the evening.

Bravo
Bravo is an exclamation that is used to congratulate a performer. When a performance is particularly impressive, the audience may shout “Bravo!” to show their appreciation.
Her rendition of the aria was so powerful that the crowd erupted with shouts of “Bravo!” at the end.

Cappuccino
Cappuccino is a popular coffee drink composed of equal parts espresso, steamed milk, and foam. It has become a staple in coffee culture around the world.
I started my day with a warm cappuccino at the local café.

Fiasco
Originally meaning “flask” or “bottle” in Italian, fiasco now refers to a complete failure, often in a ludicrous or humiliating way in the English language.
The opening night of the play was a fiasco, with forgotten lines and malfunctioning props.

Incognito
Incognito refers to hiding one’s true identity, especially to avoid notice or formal attentions. It is derived from the Italian word ‘incognita’, meaning unknown or unrecognized.
To avoid the press, the celebrity entered the party incognito.

Lasagna
Lasagna is a well-loved Italian dish made with layers of pasta sheets, sauce, cheese, and various other ingredients such as meat and vegetables.
For dinner, we had homemade lasagna that reminded me of my trip to Italy.

Maestro
A maestro is a master in any art, especially a conductor or music teacher. The term connotes respect for someone who has excelled in their craft.
Under the guidance of the maestro, the orchestra delivered a flawless performance.

Patio
Derived from the Italian ‘patio’ for a courtyard or inner garden, the term in English denotes an outdoor space adjacent to a house, generally used for dining or leisure.
We spent the evening on the patio, enjoying the cool night breeze.

Portfolio
A portfolio is a collection of financial assets like stocks, bonds, and cash equivalents, but it can also refer to a collection of creative work like photography, art, or writing.
The artist showed us a portfolio of her latest paintings.

Seminar
Derived from the Italian ‘seminario’, the term refers to a meeting or conference for the exchange of information or a class conducted by a teacher or professor for a smaller group of students.
I attended a marketing seminar to enhance my skills and meet industry experts.

Vendetta
Vendetta is a prolonged bitter quarrel with or campaign against someone. It has its origins in the Italian word for a blood feud between families or parties.
The two actors’ public vendetta against each other made headlines for weeks.

Zucchini
Zucchini, known as courgette in British English, is a variety of summer squash widely used in cooking. It has become a standard term in North American English.
I added slices of zucchini to the stir-fry for some extra nutrients and flavor.

These Italian words have comfortably nestled into the English language, enriching it with the cultural flavors of Italy. They demonstrate how languages evolve and influence each other, making them vibrant and diverse. So the next time you find yourself enjoying a cappuccino or praising a performance with a hearty “Bravo,” remember the Italian roots that these words carry with them.