Italian-American Slang to Sound Like a Sopranos Character
The Italian-American community in the United States has a rich cultural heritage that extends far beyond food and family. Their language reflects a unique blend of Italian dialects and English influences, creating a distinct way of speaking that has become a defining feature of their identity. Italian-American slang expressions have been popularized in mainstream media by shows like The Sopranos, which introduced audiences to a variety of colorful Italian-American slang terms.
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In this blog, we will explore 20 popular Italian-American slang terms that will help you sound like a true character from The Sopranos. Each term will include its pronunciation, meaning, and an example of how it is used in everyday conversation.
10 Italian-American Slang Words and Their Standard Italian Equivalents
Italian-American slang includes everyday expressions that reflect a unique blend of heritage and culture. Many of these terms are derived from Italian words but have taken on a life of their own in the U.S., often with altered pronunciation and meaning.
Below are ten common Italian-American slang words along with their standard Italian equivalents.
1. Goombah (from compare)
Pronunciation: [goom-BAH]
Meaning: A close friend, often considered part of the family.
Example: “Tony’s been my goombah since we were kids.”
2. Gavone (from cafone)
Pronunciation: [gaa-VOWN]
Meaning: Someone who eats too much or lacks manners.
Example: “Don’t be a gavone, leave some for the rest of us.”
3. Statazit (from stai zitto)
Pronunciation: [STA-ta-ZEET]
Meaning: A command to be quiet.
Example: “Hey, statazit while I’m talking here.”
4. Mamaluke (from mammalucco)
Pronunciation: [maa-maa-LOUK]
Meaning: A fool or someone acting stupidly.
Example: “Don’t be such a mamaluke, think before you speak.”
5. Facciabrutt’ (from brutta faccia)
Pronunciation: [FA-chuh-broot]
Meaning: An insult meaning someone has an unpleasant face.
Example: “He walked in with that facciabrutt’ and ruined the mood.”
6. Aduzipazz (from ma tu sei pazzo)
Pronunciation: [aa-DOO-zee-PAATS]
Meaning: An exclamation meaning “you’re crazy!”
Example: “Aduzipazz! You actually bought that car?”
7. Gidrul’ (from citrullo)
Pronunciation: [jih-DROOL]
Meaning: A derogatory term meaning foolish person.
Example: “I can’t believe you trusted that gidrul’.”
8. Paesan’ (from paesano)
Pronunciation: [pai-ZAAN]
Meaning: A fellow Italian or someone from the same town.
Example: “He’s a paesan’, we look out for each other.”
9. Maron’ (from madonna)
Pronunciation: [maa-ROAN]
Meaning: An exclamation of surprise or frustration.
Example: “Maron’, did you see that price tag?”
10. Shkeeve (from schifo)
Pronunciation: [shkeef]
Meaning: To be disgusted by something.
Example: “I shkeeve touching public door handles.”
10 Food-Related Italian-American Slang Terms
Food plays an essential role in Italian-American culture, and the way certain dishes are referred to has evolved over time. Many classic Italian foods have been given distinct pronunciations and names among Italian immigrants.
Here are ten food-related Italia-American slang terms that are commonly heard in conversations.
11. Gabagool (from capocollo)
Pronunciation: [gaa-baa-GOOL]
Meaning: A traditional Italian cold cut, often enjoyed in sandwiches or on antipasto platters.
Example: “I made a sandwich with some fresh gabagool and provolone.”
12. Muzzarell’ (from mozzarella)
Pronunciation: [mootz-aa-DELL]
Meaning: A soft, white cheese that is a staple in Italian cuisine, often used on pizza and in salads.
Example: “Pass me the muzzarell’ for the caprese salad.”
13. Manigott’ (from manicotti)
Pronunciation: [maa-NEE-gauwt]
Meaning: Large pasta tubes stuffed with cheese and baked in tomato sauce.
Example: “Nonna made her famous manigott’ for Sunday dinner.”
14. Fajool (from fagioli)
Pronunciation: [Fah-JOOL]
Meaning: Beans, commonly used in soups and stews.
Example: “A nice bowl of fajool soup is perfect for a cold day.”
15. Calamad (from calamari)
Pronunciation: [caal-uh-MAAD]
Meaning: Fried squid, a popular appetizer at Italian-American gatherings.
Example: “Let’s order some calamad to start our meal.”
16. Brosciutt’ (from prosciutto)
Pronunciation: [BRAAJH-oot]
Meaning: Thinly sliced cured ham, often served with melon or cheese.
Example: “This brosciutt’ is so fresh, it melts in your mouth.”
17. Rigott’ (from ricotta)
Pronunciation: [ree-GAUWT]
Meaning: A creamy cheese used in lasagna and desserts.
Example: “I need some rigott’ for my homemade cannoli.”
18. Ganol’ (from cannoli)
Pronunciation: [gaa-NOAWL]
Meaning: A sweet pastry filled with ricotta and chocolate chips.
Example: “You haven’t lived until you’ve tried my mom’s ganol’.”
19. Soopersahd (from soppressata)
Pronunciation: [Soo-per-sahd]
Meaning: A spicy cured salami with a distinct flattened shape.
Example: “I picked up some soopersahd from the Italian deli.”
20. Scungill’ (from scungilli)
Pronunciation: [skoon-JEEL]
Meaning: A seafood delicacy made from conch, often enjoyed in salads or pasta dishes.
Example: “The scungill’ at that restaurant is the best in town.”
4 Italian-American Slang Terms From The Sopranos
HBO’s hit series The Sopranos introduced millions to the unique slang of Italian-American communities, blending humor and authenticity with memorable expressions. These phrases quickly became part of everyday conversations across the country.
The Sopranos, via Pinterest.
Here are 4 popular Italian-American slang terms that originated or gained widespread recognition from the show.
21. Whadayagunnado?
Pronunciation: [wha-da-ya-gun-NA-do]
Meaning: An expression used to accept an unfortunate situation.
Example: “Traffic’s bad, but whadayagunnado?”
22. Fuggedaboudid
Pronunciation: [fuh-ged-a-BOU-did]
Meaning: Forget about it, often used to dismiss something.
Example: “That deal? Fuggedaboudid!”
23. Goomah
Pronunciation: [GOO-mah]
Meaning: A mistress or girlfriend.
Example: “Everyone knows he’s got a goomah on the side.”
24. Pasta fazool
Pronunciation: [PAH-stah fah-ZOOL]
Meaning: Pasta and bean soup.
Example: “My nonna makes the best pasta fazool.”
Italian-American slang is more than just a way of speaking; it’s a connection to a rich cultural heritage that blends tradition with modern influence. Whether you’re a fan of The Sopranos or simply eager to embrace the unique charm of this dialect, mastering these expressions will help you sound like a true Italian-American.
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If you’re interested in learning more than just Italian-American slang and want to dive deeper into the Italian language, our native teachers at Listen & Learn are here to help. We offer personalized, in-person Italian classes tailored to your goals and schedule. Whether you’re looking for Italian lessons in New York or other cities, our face-to-face courses provide an immersive experience that helps you build confidence and fluency. Get started today and bring a touch of Italy into your everyday conversations!