Learning a new language can be both a challenging and exhilarating experience. One of the most delightful aspects of immersing yourself in another language is discovering the unique and often humorous figurative expressions that give insight into a culture’s way of thinking. Italian, a language known for its musicality and expressiveness, is rich with such idiomatic expressions. These sayings not only add color to everyday conversation but also provide a window into the Italian way of life. Let’s dive into some of the funniest figurative expressions in the Italian language and explore their meanings and origins.
In Bocca al Lupo
One of the most famous Italian expressions is “In bocca al lupo”, which translates literally to “In the mouth of the wolf.” While this might sound alarming, it’s actually a way of wishing someone good luck. The proper response to this is “Crepi il lupo”, meaning “May the wolf die.” The expression is thought to have originated from hunters who would wish each other safety from wolves. Much like saying “Break a leg” in English, this phrase is used to wish someone well before a challenging task.
Non Avere Peli Sulla Lingua
Another amusing expression is “Non avere peli sulla lingua”, which translates to “Not to have hair on the tongue.” This phrase is used to describe someone who speaks their mind freely and directly without any hesitation. The imagery here is quite vivid; having a hairy tongue would certainly impede clear speech! This colorful expression is akin to the English idiom “not to mince words.”
Avere Le Braccine Corte
When Italians describe someone as having “le braccine corte” or “short arms,” they are calling them stingy or cheap. The idea is that a person with short arms would have difficulty reaching into their pockets to spend money. This playful expression paints a humorous picture and is a light-hearted way to call out someone’s frugality.
Essere un Pesce Fuor d’Acqua
The phrase “Essere un pesce fuor d’acqua” translates to “Being a fish out of water.” This expression is used to describe someone who feels out of place or uncomfortable in a particular situation. Much like its English counterpart, it evokes the image of a fish flopping around helplessly on dry land, highlighting the sense of awkwardness and discomfort.
Cadere Dalle Nuvole
If someone says they are “cadere dalle nuvole”, they mean they are “falling from the clouds.” This expression is used when someone is completely surprised or caught off guard by something. The imagery suggests that the person was daydreaming or lost in thought, high up in the clouds, and was abruptly brought back to reality. It’s similar to the English idiom “having your head in the clouds,” but with an added element of surprise.
Essere al Verde
When Italians say they are “al verde”, they mean they are “in the green,” but this phrase actually means being broke or out of money. The origin of this expression is believed to come from the times when public auctions were held and a green cloth was used to indicate the end of the auction. When the auctioneer reached the green part of the cloth, it meant there were no more bids and the money was gone. Thus, being “in the green” signifies having no money left.
Prendere Due Piccioni con una Fava
The Italian equivalent of “killing two birds with one stone” is “prendere due piccioni con una fava”, which translates to “catching two pigeons with one bean.” This expression is used to describe achieving two goals with a single effort. The imagery here is slightly different but carries the same meaning as the English version, emphasizing efficiency and resourcefulness.
Avere la Botta Piena e la Moglie Ubriaca
An amusing and somewhat cheeky expression is “Avere la botte piena e la moglie ubriaca”, which means “to have the full barrel and the drunk wife.” This phrase is used to describe someone who wants to have it all without making any sacrifices. It’s akin to the English idiom “having your cake and eating it too.” The imagery of a full wine barrel and a drunk wife adds a humorous twist to the concept of wanting everything without compromise.
Fare il Galletto
When someone is described as “fare il galletto”, it means they are “acting like a little rooster.” This expression is used to describe a man who is showing off or strutting around trying to impress others, particularly women. The imagery of a rooster, known for its proud and flashy behavior, perfectly captures the essence of a show-off.
Andare a Letto con le Galline
The phrase “Andare a letto con le galline” translates to “going to bed with the chickens.” This expression is used to describe someone who goes to bed very early, just as chickens do when the sun sets. It’s a humorous way to comment on someone’s early bedtime habits and is similar to the English expression “hitting the hay.”
Essere una Testa Calda
If someone is called “una testa calda”, it means they are “a hot head.” This expression is used to describe someone who has a quick temper or is easily angered. The imagery of a hot head conveys the idea of someone whose emotions can boil over quickly, much like the English idiom “having a short fuse.”
Fare il Pappagallo
When Italians say someone is “fare il pappagallo”, they mean “acting like a parrot.” This expression is used to describe someone who mindlessly repeats what others say without understanding or thinking for themselves. The imagery of a parrot, known for its mimicry, captures the essence of someone who parrots others’ words.
Avere un Diavolo per Capello
The phrase “Avere un diavolo per capello” translates to “having a devil for each hair.” This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely angry or agitated. The imagery of devils tangled in one’s hair conveys a sense of overwhelming fury and chaos, similar to the English idiom “being mad as a hornet.”
Essere in Gamba
When someone is described as “essere in gamba”, it means they are “being in leg.” This expression is used to describe someone who is smart, capable, or competent. The origin of this expression is believed to come from the idea of someone who is quick on their feet and able to handle situations well. It’s a compliment that highlights someone’s abilities and resourcefulness.
Mettere il Carro Davanti ai Buoi
The phrase “Mettere il carro davanti ai buoi” translates to “putting the cart before the oxen.” This expression is used to describe someone who is doing things in the wrong order or being hasty and disorganized. The imagery of a cart being placed in front of the oxen, who are supposed to pull it, captures the idea of a backward or illogical approach, much like the English idiom “putting the cart before the horse.”
Andare in Brodo di Giuggiole
When Italians say they are “andare in brodo di giuggiole”, it means “going into jujube broth.” This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely happy, delighted, or ecstatic. The origin of this phrase is believed to come from the sweet and pleasant taste of jujube broth, which evokes a sense of pure joy and satisfaction. It’s a colorful and poetic way to express happiness.
Essere al Settimo Cielo
The phrase “essere al settimo cielo” translates to “being in the seventh heaven.” This expression is used to describe someone who is extremely happy or ecstatic. The concept of the seventh heaven comes from ancient cosmology, where the seventh heaven was considered the highest and most divine level of heaven. This expression is similar to the English idiom “being on cloud nine” and conveys a sense of ultimate bliss.
Fare il Portoghese
When someone is accused of “fare il portoghese”, it means “acting like a Portuguese.” This expression is used to describe someone who sneaks into an event or place without paying. The origin of this expression is believed to come from a historical event in Rome, where Portuguese citizens were allowed free entry to public events, and others tried to take advantage of this by pretending to be Portuguese. It’s a playful way to call out someone who is trying to get something for free.
Prendere in Giro
The phrase “prendere in giro” translates to “taking for a ride.” This expression is used to describe someone who is being teased, mocked, or deceived in a playful manner. The imagery of taking someone for a ride captures the idea of leading them on and having fun at their expense, similar to the English idiom “pulling someone’s leg.”
Essere una Mosca Bianca
When someone is described as “una mosca bianca”, it means they are “a white fly.” This expression is used to describe someone or something that is very rare or unique. The imagery of a white fly, which is an unusual and rare sight, captures the idea of rarity and distinctiveness, much like the English idiom “a rare bird.”
Perdere le Staffe
The phrase “perdere le staffe” translates to “losing the stirrups.” This expression is used to describe someone who loses their temper or control. The imagery of losing the stirrups while riding a horse conveys a sense of losing balance and control, similar to the English idiom “losing one’s cool.”
Essere un Libro Aperto
When someone is described as “un libro aperto”, it means they are “an open book.” This expression is used to describe someone who is very transparent and easy to read. The imagery of an open book conveys the idea of someone whose thoughts and feelings are easily accessible, much like the English idiom “wearing one’s heart on one’s sleeve.”
Avere il Dente Avvelenato
The phrase “avere il dente avvelenato” translates to “having a poisoned tooth.” This expression is used to describe someone who is holding a grudge or harboring resentment. The imagery of a poisoned tooth conveys a sense of lingering bitterness and pain, similar to the English idiom “holding a grudge.”
Saltare di Palo in Frasca
When Italians say someone is “saltare di palo in frasca”, it means “jumping from pole to branch.” This expression is used to describe someone who is constantly changing topics or ideas in a disorganized manner. The imagery of jumping from one place to another without a clear direction captures the idea of inconsistency and lack of focus, much like the English idiom “jumping from one thing to another.”
Far venire il Latte alle Ginocchia
The phrase “far venire il latte alle ginocchia” translates to “making the milk come to the knees.” This expression is used to describe something that is extremely boring or tedious. The imagery of milk slowly rising to the knees conveys a sense of prolonged and unbearable boredom, similar to the English idiom “bored to tears.”
Essere in Alto Mare
When someone says they are “in alto mare”, it means they are “in the high seas.” This expression is used to describe someone who is far from completing a task or resolving a situation. The imagery of being in the vast and open sea captures the idea of being far from the shore or a solution, much like the English idiom “a long way to go.”
Essere una Cipolla
The phrase “essere una cipolla” translates to “being an onion.” This expression is used to describe someone who has many layers or is complex and difficult to understand. The imagery of an onion with its multiple layers captures the idea of depth and complexity, similar to the English idiom “having many layers.”
Avere le Mani Bucate
When Italians say someone has “le mani bucate”, it means they have “holes in their hands.” This expression is used to describe someone who spends money recklessly or cannot hold onto their money. The imagery of money slipping through holes in one’s hands conveys the idea of financial carelessness, similar to the English idiom “money burning a hole in one’s pocket.”
Conclusione
Exploring these funny figurative expressions in the Italian language not only enriches your vocabulary but also deepens your understanding of Italian culture and humor. These idioms and phrases are a testament to the creativity and expressiveness of the Italian language. As you continue your language learning journey, try incorporating these expressions into your conversations to add a touch of Italian flair and charm. Buona fortuna! (Good luck!)
