Italian gestures are fascinating and unique, as they convey emotions and thoughts through non-verbal communication in a way that is integral to the culture of Italy and adds vivid strokes of humor, passion, and expressiveness to conversations.
In this (seldom NSFW!) article, we will explore some iconic Italian gestures, accompanied by visual aids and lighthearted commentary.
Like many others in the Italian repertoire, all the gestures that we will present underscore the importance of context and the relationship between the participants to a conversation. Among friends, the use of evident gestures can be a humorous, albeit pointed, way to express agreement, skepticism, happiness, or disbelief. In more formal settings, their usage might instead be considered too casual or even rude, so watch out and take the information provided in this article with a grain of salt!
1. “Che vuoi?”
The Quintessential “What Do You Want?”
Imagine wandering the maze of historic alleys of the center of Rome and observing a lively chat between locals. Suddenly, one raises their hand, fingertips touching, and briskly moves it up and down. This gesture, signaling “What do you want?” or “Che vuoi?”, can express everything from mild annoyance to genuine inquiry, all without a spoken word. In fact, the nuances of this iconic gesture go far beyond a simple inquiry: in certain situations, the mano a cuoppo can also be used to express indifference or disbelief.
2. “Ma che fai?!”
Expressing Disbelief
For moments that leave you speechless with their absurdity, Italians have the perfect gesture: hand thrust forward, fingers splayed, as if to say, “What in the world are you doing?!” This gesture captures surprise, disbelief, or frustration, often seen both among friends as much as in playful debates or heated arguments between colleagues, especially when someone does somethingreallyfoolish.
3. “Perfetto!”/”C.V.D.”
When Reality Meets Expectation
When reality meets expectations, be it after a delightful meal or witnessing a seamless plan unfold, Italians show it with a beautiful gesture: thumb and index finger meet to form a circle, and the arm gently swings from one side to another to create an imaginary line at the height of your waist. This“Perfetto!”gesture(or, more ironically, the“C.V.D.”/“Q.E.D.”gesture) conveys a sentiment of satisfaction for a prediction that has proven to be accurate, and it is generally accompanied by an eloquent facial expression. It can be used unironically, to show appreciation and contentment for perfection, or sarcastically, when an event unfolds exactly as we predicted, in spite of those who didn’t believe us!
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4. “Ho fame”
The Hunger Gesture
When hunger strikes and words can’t do justice to the craving for your carbonara, the “Ho fame” gesture speaks volumes. A straight motion of the hand, palm facing the ground, towards the stomach signifies a longing for food, a gesture that’s both universal and particularly poignant when anticipating your sunday lunch at nonna’s.
5. “Spaghetti”
A Deliciously Expressive Gesture
In the realm of Italian gestures, there’s one that deliciously bridges the love for food and the art of communication: the “Spaghetti” gesture. This gesture is made by holding out one arm and mimicking the action of twirling spaghetti on a fork with the other hand. It’s a playful yet clear way to indicate talking about food, specifically pasta, or to suggest going to eat, often igniting smiles and nodding heads in agreement among those who understand its meaning.
6. “Guai a te!”
You’re In Trouble!
The “Guai a te” gesture is a non-verbal warning commonly used in Italy, particularly by mothers dealing with unruly children. This gesture is a powerful way of conveying the message of “you’re in trouble” or “watch out” without the need for words. Many Italians have fond memories of seeing their mothers in the distance menacingly biting their hands, as if to say that punishment is on the way. While this gesture is often used in situations involving children, it can also be seen in more adult contexts, albeit with a sarcastic undertone.
7. “Piano!”/”Calma!”
Slow Down
A gesture which perfectly sums up a lifestyle! “Piano!”, a calm, downward motion with the palm facing down, signals to take things slowly, lower the volume or cool one’s ardour. Whether in the Rome’s bustling traffic or during animated discussions, this gesture is a reminder to take it slow or take it easy. Just be careful: sometimes, the best way to make an agitated Italian even angrier is by telling them to calm down!
9. “Ma mi faccia il piacere”/”Ma levati”
The Italian Dismissive
In the vast lexicon of Italian gestures, there’s one that perfectly encapsulates disbelief and dismissal in one fluid motion: the “Ma mi faccia il piacere” or its more colloquial counterpart, “Ma levati”. This gesture involves waving your hand forwards, possibly pushing away your interlocutor’s arm, as if to shoo someone away or dismiss a ridiculous notion. It’s the Italian equivalent of saying, “Oh, please!” or “Get out of here!” with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. Often used among friends or in lighthearted debates, it adds a playful yet poignant emphasis to the speaker’s disdain or incredulity towards the idea or action being discussed.
8. “Stringi!”
The Gesture for Brevity
When conversations meander or meetings drag on, Italians have a concise way to signal the need for brevity: the “Stringi!” or “Cut it short!” gesture. This motion involves pressing the thumb and fingers together and moving them closer, as if physically compressing the air between them. It’s a visual cue urging the speaker to get to the point, wrap up their argument, or simply condense their thoughts into something more concise.
10. “Sei Pazzo?”
Questioning Sanity with a Twist
Among the rich tapestry of Italian gestures, there’s one that vividly questions someone’s sanity or decision-making: “Sei pazzo?” or “Are you crazy?”. This gesture is performed by tapping or twirling a finger against the temple. It’s not just a question; it’s an exclamation, a visual punctuation mark that adds weight to the words. Often seen in lively debates or amidst the passionate discussions that are a staple of Italian communication, it conveys a mix of incredulity, concern, and sometimes, amused disbelief.
Conclusion: The Italian Gesture Orchestra
Navigating the world of Italian gestures is like tuning into a complex, yet immensely rewarding, orchestra of non-verbal communication. Each gesture adds a layer of depth and authenticity to interactions, bridging gaps where words fall short. For those intrigued by this silent language and keen on exploring the vibrant culture and language of Italy, our Italian language courses in Rome offer a gateway into this fascinating world. Through our classes, you can embrace the full spectrum of Italian communication, both spoken and unspoken. So, why not take the leap and immerse yourself in the art of Italian gestures and beyond?
