You’ve heard the phrase “the Irish gift of gab” but Italians run them a close second. The Italic people not only express themselves passionately via words, too, but help their thoughts along with arm-and-hand-gestures. In fact, some gestures are so well-known they’ve become famous.
For the record: On March 10th, 2020, during the pandemic, the Italian gesture meaning “che voi?”/”what do you want?”—also known as the pinched finger symbol—officially became a worldwide emoji.
It should also be noted that, also during the pandemic, YouTube videos of Italians singing on balconies or sending bottles of wine to neighbors via hand-made pulleys charmed and comforted the world—symbols of hope during a bleak human catastrophe.
No matter the context, be it a family dinner or world pandemic, Italian passion cannot be muted.
Italians love idioms, as well. One of my favorites corresponds to the English phrase of frustration: “You’ve made your bed, now lie in it.” (aka, stop complaining about something and deal with it.)
The Italians say, “Hai voluto la bicicletta? Adesso, pedala!”—which means, “You wanted the bike? Now peddle it!”
Please note the subtle expression of culture: Americans/Anglos lie in bed while the Italians ride a bike. Even in their idioms, Italians are healthier!
On a website for the Rosetta Stone, I found 47 other Italian sayings/idioms/phrases to share.
Feel free to share during your Thanksgiving holiday—especially if politics becomes a topic! -BDC
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