![]() In other words, sometimes fate chooses for you, and there’s nothing you can do to stop it. Sometimes conventional wisdom is hidden in a subtle dose of fatalism. Some say that it comes from a venereal disease, while others say it comes from the word for woodworm. It means “a pain in the neck” or “annoyance.” Its meaning is clear, but its origins are a bit murky. This is one of the most well-known Sicilian terms outside of Sicily. Botta ri sali has a bit of a funny story behind it, given that it refers to miners in the salt mines who would bump their heads against the walls while working in extremely narrow conditions. This expression is used for people who you may not be a huge fan of. It’s another way of expressing wonder or marvel, similar to how English speakers would say, “Wow!” or “Holy cow!” Botta ri sali This is a common phrase written on signs in Sicilian restaurants around the world. Someone who says it may seem like they’re not controlling what you do, but they’re keeping an eye on you. It literally means “I’m watching you,” and it’s a warning. This is a popular expression among parents (but it’s not restricted to just people with children). As writer Roberto Alajmo explains, it’s a bit like rocking a baby, making them sway back and forth without moving them an inch. It can mean “to rush,” or “to stall.” Essentially, it means moving without moving too much. Annacarsi is one of the clearest examples of this, and the funniest part about it is that it can be used to mean opposite things. ![]() One of the most fascinating features of a few Sicilian phrases is that they’re never 100% translatable. There’s also the variant amunìnni, which means “let’s go.” It’s a way of telling someone to hurry up, make a decision, etc. AmunìĪmunì is a unique term from Palermo, but the word is so widespread that it’s worth adding to the list. ![]() We always hope that person gets lost quickly with the water in front of them (meaning rain) and wind behind them to propel them away more quickly. Literally, “water in front and wind behind.” This expression is used for someone who garnered sympathy at first but later turns out to be insufferable. Here are 30 Sicilian phrases that we love! 30 Sicilian Phrases Worth Knowing Acqua davanti e ventu d’arreri As Verga demonstrated, idiomatic expressions are the way that its speakers pass their wisdom down. After all, expressions are one of the best ways to gain a deeper understanding of a dialect or regional language. Giovanni Verga was famous for mixing standard Italian with the dialect, and recently, Andrea Camilleri’s crime novels are famous for being peppered with Sicilian phrases and proverbs. The history of Sicily has resulted in a language with diverse influences that have created a fascinating and intricate linguistic fusion.Īlthough the Sicilian language isn’t officially recognized, it’s one of Italy’s most valuable pieces of intangible cultural heritage. Thanks to the Sicilian School of poets, the Sicilian language was the first literary Italian language. The Sicilian language and its colorful collection of Sicilian phrases is a shining example of this. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Italian language is that its history is the result of hundreds of dialects, and each dialect has origins which tell a story about the community that speaks it.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |