10 Roman expressions for an immersive holiday

rue pittoresque à Trastevere à Rome, Italie

Looking for an immersive experience on your trip to Rome? Here are 10 local expressions you need to know to immerse yourself in Roman culture!

When traveling to Rome, it’s essential to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. To do this, there’s nothing like mastering a few local expressions commonly used by the locals. Knowing these Rome-specific turns of phrase will help you communicate more fluidly, capture the essence of Roman culture and create more authentic bonds. Here are 10 must-know Roman expressions for an unforgettable stay in the Eternal City!

In Roma, fai come i romani!

Rome d'en haut, au coucher du soleil, avec la Piazza del Popolo, Italie

Shutterstock – Thoom

As soon as you arrive in Rome, immerse yourself in the local culture by adopting the famous expression « A Roma, fai come i romani », which means  » In Rome, do as the Romans do« . « Dare una passaggiata » (« take a stroll ») through the streets of the city to discover its hidden treasures and enjoy the magnificent Roman sunsets on a « passeggiata al tramonto » (« sunset stroll »).

Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with the locals using the expression « fare quattro chiacchiere », which simply means « to chat ». And of course, be sure to sample some of Rome’s delicious culinary specialties by venturing into the local markets!

Ammazza!

Le Colisée au lever du soleil, Rome, Italie

Shutterstock – Sean Pavone

The expression « Ammazza! » stands out for its frequent use and intriguing meaning. The word, which literally means « Kill!« , is often used to express admiration or surprise. Its exact origin remains uncertain, but several theories suggest that it derives from the Italian word « mazza », meaning a club or bat, while others maintain that it comes from the cry of the plebeians during gladiatorial combat at the Colosseum. By using this expression with the locals, you’ll be able to express your amazement and become more integrated into the city’s daily life.

Ma che burino sei?!

Antique route , Via Appia Antica à Rome, Italie au coucher du soleil, traversant la campagne

Shutterstock – Alexzaitsev

« Ma che burino sei?! » (How can you be such a bourin?!), « Non fare il burino! » (Don’t be a bourin!), or « Non capisci un burino! » (You don’t understand anything at all!) are a must if you want to speak like a true Roman. This rather pejorative expression designates a rude person with a rather coarse manner and no finesse.

According to commonly accepted etymology, this is what the butter-selling shepherds – or buro, to be more precise – who worked the streets of Rome were once called. Coming from the countryside, they became associated over time with the figure of the rough and somewhat boorish peasant. Another hypothesis suggests that the term referred to the plough handle used by peasants working in the Roman countryside.

Ciao bello, bischero and other tonnarotti

Suppli avec verre de vin, Rome, Italie

Shutterstock – Olgabombologna

To fit in right from the start, don’t forget to greet them warmly with a « Ciao bello ». Immerse yourself in Romanaccio, the Roman dialect, by listening attentively to the locals speak with their accents and linguistic idiosyncrasies. The bean-eaters, nicknamed Romans for their love of beans, will be delighted to welcome you.

Don’t be a « bischero » (« stupid »), instead show your interest in the local culture by sampling the delicious supplì, fried rice dumplings with a melting heart of mozzarella. Watch out for the « tonnarotti », those pretentious, boastful individuals, and don’t hesitate to say « fregarsene » to show you don’t care!

Daje!

Piazza de Spagna à Rome, Italie.

Shutterstock – Vlas Telino Studio

One of the most common and versatile expressions in Rome is « daje ». It can mean both « go » or « well done », used to encourage or congratulate someone, particularly in sporting contexts such as « Daje Roma! » in support of the local soccer team. It can also be used to say « yes » in a simple way, or to mean « hurry up » or « let’s go », encouraging someone to hurry up or take action.

An interesting variation of this expression is « aridaje », used to express the idea of « again » with a touch of annoyance or irony. For example, you might hear someone say « Aridaje, con ‘sta storia! » (« Again, with that story! »). By learning and using this expression correctly, you’ll blend more easily into Roman culture and communicate more easily with the locals!

Li mortacci tua

Piazza Navona à Rome, Italie au crépuscule

Shutterstock – F11photo

Here are a few phrases to help you express your impatience or frustration, such as « Li mortacci tua », an ancestral curse used to express indignation. Or « Mortacci! », an interjection of surprise or frustration. If you want to express incomprehension or disagreement, use « Che c’entra? », which means « what’s that got to do with anything? ». And to ask someone to be patient, use the common expression « Abbi pazienza ».

Ma va a magnà er sapone!

Ruines romaines de Rome, Italie

Shutterstock – S.borisov

Don’t be surprised if you hear someone say « Ma va a magnà er sapone! ». This expression expresses disbelief or rejection, and can be used in a variety of situations. For example, if you suggest something odd to a Roman, he might smile back and say « Ma va a magnà er sapone, va. » This simply means « Get out of here!

Another expression commonly used by Romans is « Ma che stai a dì! It’s used when you don’t understand what someone is saying, or when you doubt the veracity of their words. It’s an amusing way of showing your surprise or disbelief. For example, if a Roman tells you an incredible story, you might reply with a look of surprise: « Ma che davero, davero? ». This literally means « But really, really? » and shows that you’re intrigued by what he’s just said.

The « Noantri » of Trastevere

rue pittoresque à Trastevere à Rome, Italie

Shutterstock – Catarina Belova

Discover the term « Noantri », reserved for the inhabitants of Trastevere, which expresses a sense of belonging and pride in their neighborhood. Don’t miss the Festa de Noantri, a religious festival that has celebrated Our Lady of Mount Carmel for centuries. Let yourself be carried away by the love and pride the Romans have for their eternal city.

For an authentic experience, invite someone for a coffee using the expression « Andiamo a prendere un caffè ». Coffee is an integral part of Italian culture and represents a privileged moment of socialization. Express your astonishment or surprise with the emotional expression « Mamma mia ».

Non capisci una mazza!

Castel Sant Angelo ou Mausolée d'Hadrien à Rome Italie

Shutterstock – Blue Planet Studio

The expression « Non capisci una mazza », literally translated as « You don’t understand a thing », is particularly common. Used colloquially, this expression expresses frustration when someone fails to grasp something.

Its origin remains uncertain, but it’s likely that the word « mazza », meaning club or stick, is linked to it. In this context, « Non capisci una mazza » insists that a person wouldn’t understand anything, even if hit with a club!

An anthology of local expressions

basilique Saint-Pierre en soirée depuis la Via della Conciliazione à Rome, Italie

Shutterstock – Vlas Telino Studio

Finally, here’s a small selection of Roman expressions to make sure that « romanesco » holds no secrets for you! To seduce someone, use the expression « beccare qualcuno », literally « to pick on someone ». If you have an obsession, use « avere un chiodo fisso ». Describe a big hunger with « mangiare come un lupo ». If you’re in the mood to do something, say you’re « in vena ». But be careful not to make a bad impression, so use « fare una figuraccia » instead.

The Romans will call you « in gamba » if you’re good at something, and « mosca bianca » if you’re rare or unique. They’ll say you have « le mani bucate » if you’re a spendthrift or « le braccine corte » if you’re stingy. For them, you’re a « fannullone » if you’re lazy and « in giro come un’ape » if you’re very busy.

If you want to stay on your guard, use « stare sul chi va là ». If you’re distracted, just say you have « la testa fra le nuvole » (« your head in the clouds »). Impress everyone with « fare un figurone », but be careful not to be too talkative when speaking « romanesco », or the Romans will say you have « la lingua lunga « !

Now that you know these essential Roman expressions, you’re ready to fully immerse yourself in the local culture during your stay in Rome. Don’t hesitate to use them in your interactions with the locals and observe their reaction. Share your experiences and suggestions in the comments section. Will you dare to live this authentic experience in the Eternal City? Buon viaggio!