If You’re Accused of Having “Le Braccia Corte” (Short arms)…
Then people are implying that you're stingy. Maybe "le braccia corte" is being used in jest when it's your turn to buy the next [...]
How to Say “Take It or Leave It” in Italian
Italian idiomatic expressions are usually a far cry from their English equivalents. And how to express "Take it or leave it" in Italian is [...]
You Asked for It, So Start Pedaling!
Start pedaling? Huh?You're probably scratching your head, wondering what the heck I'm talking about. Well, as you work towards immersing yourself in the Italian language [...]
Like to talk or do you adore sweets? You’ll love chiacchiere.
Fare quattro chiacchiere! Eat or chit chat? It’s both, actually!If you want to understand and participate more fully in the Italian culture, chiacchiere is a [...]
Learn the Italian Idiom for “A Rare Occurrence”
Know the Italian idiomatic expressions.If you really want to demonstrate that you’ve been doing your Italian language and culture lessons, then start boning up on [...]
Italian Words That Don’t Mean What You Think
There are plenty of them. Many Italian language newbies make the mistake of thinking that because some Italian words sound so similar to English [...]
Get the Skinny on Down and Dirty Italian
What do I mean by "Down and Dirty Italian?" I mean oft-used Italian words, phrases, and expressions pertaining to expletives, bodily functions, partying, gossiping, [...]
Key Italian Words and Phrases for Navigating the Health Crisis
These aren't just "nice to know." No, a few Italian words and phrases are essential if you find yourself in Italy while Covid-19 still encroaches [...]
Italian Hand Gestures – Artistry in Action
When Italian speak with the hands, it’s potent emotional punctuation. And, Italian hand gestures are hard-wired into Italians’ DNA. [...]
Know Your Italian Idioms!
I applaud Italians for having created such colorful phrases. Italian idioms, in my opinion, kick butt on English idioms. And, if you're serious about going [...]
Time to Make the Leap to Speaking with an Advanced Italian Tongue
Okay, no more putting this off. I've been living in Italy for six-and-a-half years now, and I get along pretty well with my mid-intermediate Italian [...]
Learn How to Order Takeaway in Italian
Mastery of a few everyday Italian expressions goes a long way... in helping expats (and visitors) assimilate into the Italian culture. Italians notice and appreciate [...]
Oddio! Invoking the Divine in Italian.
THIS is one of the most often used phrases when speaking Italian. You may adhere to the "Thou shalt not take the Lord's name in [...]
How Italians Describe Someone Who is Crafty.
This one will come in handy. If you plan on living in Italy or spending a lot of time here you'll inevitably be transacting business. [...]
Italian Coffee Protocol – Know the Ropes!
It’s the little things that make the difference. Especially in regards to the coffee culture in Italy. Once you’ve spent ample time here you’ll understand [...]
Announcing Italian Snippets – Designed to Take You Deeper into the Italian Way
Leave it to the Italians to give colorful dimension to saying “What a mess!” This topic is featured in the first of what I hope [...]
Italian Holiday Greetings are Easy but Come with a Few Warnings!
Have no fear! Italian holiday greetings aren’t difficult. In fact, you can probably nail them all within a mere thirty minute’s practice. Then you need [...]
Learning Italian? Lighten Up with Music.
I’ve taken to utilizing Italian music to round out my knowledge of Italian. If you’re on the journey to achieve some kind of competency when [...]