In this blog, we’ll explore 8 Italian words that may not mean quite what you think they do. Each one carries a twist in its true Italian meaning, and by the end, you’ll be able to recognise and use them with greater accuracy – and perhaps a touch more confidence – in your own Italian vocabulary.
Latin influence in the English language
For centuries, Latin – and later Italian – have left their mark on the English language. This often works to your advantage when learning Italian, since so many English words share the same Latin roots and feel instantly recognisable. Think of words like dilemma, fiasco, finale, terracotta, tombola, or vendetta – all of which come directly from Italian.
Italy has especially shaped the world of music. Italian composers dominated for so long that the international language of music became Italian. That’s why terms such as crescendo, allegro, opera, teatro, piano, scenario, ballerina, and prima donna are still used everywhere today. If you’d like to know more about why Italian is considered the language of music, take a look at this blog post.)
In modern times, however, the tables have turned. Italian now borrows freely from English, especially in areas like technology and business. Italians often adopt English words enthusiastically – and sometimes a little too generously.
The Italian influence
Even so, English continues to welcome new Italian words, particularly in the world of food and drink. Staples such as pasta, lasagne, cappuccino, and vino are now part of everyday English. But some words don’t travel quite as neatly. A handful of Italian terms have been borrowed into English but are used differently in their original language, which can easily lead to confusion.
In this post, we’ll look at 8 such words – expressions you probably think you know, but whose Italian meanings might surprise you. These examples will help you use them more accurately and add them with confidence to your personal Italian-English dictionary.
8 words you think you know…
1. Latte
In Italian this word means milk so when ordering a coffee, if you wish for a Latte it is better to order a ‘latte macchiato’, to avoid being served a glass of cold milk.
You might have learnt this term from a Starbucks’ menu, yet Starbucks’ coffees are not popular in Italy. In fact, the coffee culture in Italy is quite different. For instance, most Italians drink espresso or caffè macchiato, which is an espresso with a dash of milk. Cappuccino is ordered in the morning for breakfast and never drank after meals. Frappuccino does not exist nor does a pumpkin spice. Italian coffee culture is key to understanding this society. Please keep an eye out for our next blog on this subject.
2. Panini
In Italian this is the plural noun of ‘panino’, which means bread roll, rather than grilled sandwich. In Italy you might want to ask for a ‘panino tostato’ to get that.
Bread has a special place in the Italian culture. Artisan independent bakeries are doing well just like their friend the patisserie. Similar to the French, Italians buy their bread daily and the bread basket is always present at the table in restaurants. Bakeries and patisseries in Italy look like elegant jewellers selling a great variety of different breads and pastries. Hence, entering into one is a pleasure for the eye as well as for the other senses.
3. Pepperoni
In Italian this word does not exist. ‘Peperone’ is a similar word; still, this is not a spicy sausage though, but a sweet pepper. Consequently, this is a false friend, in other words, a term that is spelt or pronounced similarly to one in your own language yet has a different meaning.
When ordering a pizza, order a ‘salame piccante’. You are already familiar with the word salame, though pronounced with an ‘e ‘ at the end, as in the e of elephant. Whereas piccante means spicy. It is also worth mentioning that pepe means pepper as in the spice.
4. Bolognese
This means ‘from Bologna’ conversely, the meat and tomato sauce you are looking for is actually called ‘ragù`. The ragù is in fact from the region of Bologna as is the king of all pasta dishes: lasagne. Lasagne is made as well with this sauce. Interestingly enough, the term ragù is originally French and the dish of pasta accompanied by ragù dates back to the 18th century.
5. Prosciutto
Prosciutto means ham and it is both the cooked variety (prosciutto cotto) and also the cured one (prosciutto crudo). The most famous prosciutto crudo is prosciutto di Parma, which is a cured ham hung for a minimum of 6 to 36 months. Parma ham has been produced since Roman times and it only has three ingredients: pork, salt and time.
7. Al fresco
Literally, this means ‘in a cool place’ despite this, it does not mean outdoors. If – when in Italy at a restaurant – you wish for an outside table, it is better ask for ‘un tavolo fuori’ or ‘all’aperto’. So you might say: “vorrei un tavolo fuori”. Funnily enough, ‘finire al fresco’ means to end up in jail.
8. Confetti
This is another false friend. In Italian confetti are sugared almonds and are distributed to family and friends at special occasions such as weddings, baptisms and graduations. The pieces of colored paper are called ‘coriandoli’. Italian use coriandoli during Carnival.
Learn more about false friends (words that look similar but have a different meaning and also cognates (words that are very similar and have a similar meaning) in this fun blog.
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