Slang & idioms in Italian

Learn slang & idioms in Italian. Build fluency with personalized exercises, chats, and video recommendations.

In Italian, slang is called gergo and idioms are modi di dire or idiomi. Italian slang varies by region, and many expressions come from youth culture, the streets, and dialects. Here are some common Italian slang words and idioms:

Slang:

fico / fighissimo — cool / really cool
sbatti — a hassle (literally “to throw” but used to mean effort, annoyance)
magari — I wish / maybe (context-dependent)
molli — soft / weak (from “molle” meaning soft)
figo also can mean handsome/attractive person

Idioms:

In bocca al lupo! (literally "into the wolf's mouth") — Good luck! Response: Crepi!
Chi dorme non piglia pesci — You snooze, you lose (literally "he who sleeps doesn't catch fish")
Non vedo l’ora — I can’t wait (literally “I don’t see the hour”)
Acqua in bocca! — Keep it secret! / Don't tell anyone (literally “water in the mouth”)
Fare il passo più lungo della gamba — To bite off more than you can chew (literally “to take a step longer than your leg”)

Italian idioms are very expressive and often involve animals, food, and everyday situations. Knowing them helps you sound more natural and understand native speakers better.

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