Romans, together with Neapolitans, are considered the most expansive and loud among Italians! We call ourselves “caciaroni” (bustle maker) and we love creating new and unique expressions that make us stand out!
Let’s find out together the most used neologisms you will hear by your new friends in Rome:
1 – Caciara [ca·cià·ra]:
You have already found this word in the first paragraph of the article. Caciara is the favorite Roman term to express confusion, chaos and mess in general. You could hear people say “C’è ‘na caciara!” very often (there’s a mess)…especially if they’re talking about the traffic in Rome!
2 – Scialla [ˈʃalla]:
The Italian equivalent of “take it easy“! This invented term tends to be used mostly by young generations but it has defintely become part of the Roman dictionary by now!
3 – Nun t’allargà:
This expression is particularly used when Romans want to warn someone who is gaining too much confidence or is exaggerating in some way. Literally, it means: “Don’t go too far”.
4 – Daje!:
This is an exultation to express a jubilation or a feeling of agreement. It could be translated with “Great! / Yes!”.
5 – Cecagna / abbiocco [ab·biòc·co]:
This term indicates that precious, sweet moment of laziness and slepiness that hits you… usually after a substantial lunch or dinner!
6 – Fionnasse:
This verb indicates an action done in a rush. It means “run, hurry”.
7 – Ciucco [ciùc·co]:
During a party, a dinner with friends or after our Craft Beer tour you will probably want to use this term. It is an adjective that indicates the beginning of drunkeness, that funny moment when you feel high and happy and thrilled!
8 – Paraculo [pa·ra·cù·lo]:
A friendly substantive indicating a clever, sly person.
9 – Pecionata [pe-cio-nà-ta]:
This term may be used both in a friendly or accusatory way. It indicates a job that hasn’t been done properly or that has been done in a superficial way.
10 – ‘Na pizza:
Be careful because if someone wants to give you “‘na pizza” they’re not talking about the delicious specialty of the Italian cuisine! In fact, “‘na pizza” may also mean a slap!
And these were the top 10 used Roman words/expressions…what about the peculiar neologisms of your town? Comment below!