The Italy Roundtable was established six years ago. The goal of the Italy Roundtable was to partly introduce a new style to my blog and partly endear me to Italy writers with whom it was advantageous to have ties. I didn’t know how strong those ties would grow.
You don’t get to see the conversation that takes place behind the scenes when we discuss topic ideas, the meanings and support one another . These are smart, strong, funny and clever women that I have the privilege to know.
For this month’s Italy Roundtable theme FRIENDSHIP I am sending a virtual hug to Alexandra and Georgette, Kate, Laura. Melanie, Michelle, Michelle, and Rebecca. Although I know you didn’t realize what you were getting yourself into when you signed up all those years ago for the Italy Roundtable, I am so glad that you did. Baci, amiche.
Also, I am referring to terms of endearment. Some of them are absolutely adorable.
Italian for “friend” is “amico” (for a male) and “amica (for a female). A “buonamiico” (buon isica) or “grande isico”(grande amica) is a friend. Your “migliore isico” is your most trusted friend, and an “amico intimateo” is your closest friend (amica intimacy). “Friendly” can be translated as “amichevole” or “grande amico” (grande amica), and “friendship” is “amicizia”, which is a feminine word that doesn’t matter who is talking.
It is as colorful and vibrant as it is. However, there are many more words that can be used to indicate friendship or love than just Italian. While some of these words are adorable in English or Italian, others could be considered insults if they were translated into English.
Below is a list of my favourite Italian terms of endearment that you might hear in Italy. The masculine and female versions of each term, if applicable, are listed in alphabetical order – masculine first, feminine second.
Which ones are you familiar with? Which ones might you be interested in trying out?
Caro / Cara
KAH|roh, KAH|rah
High-priced, high-end, and expensive
One of the most popular terms for endearment is “caro” (or “cara”) It can be translated as “dear” and used alone or in conjunction with other words, such as “caro amico” or “caro mio”, which means “my dear”. In old English, we may also say that something is too expensive is “too dear” by using the word “caro”.
Tesoro
teh|ZOH|roh
Treasure or fortune?
Tesoro is a popular term for endearment that you can use to refer to a friend or loved one, especially if they are in a romantic relationship. It is masculine and means “treasure” regardless of who it is addressed to. It can also be translated as treasure, which is the same thing that pirates have, wealth, fortune or riches. A masterpiece of art can also be described by the word “tesoro”.
Mimmo / Mimma
MEE|moh, MEE|mah
little boy/girl (diminutive)
You might be familiar with the term “bambino”, which literally means little boy. Mimmo is the diminutive of “bambino,” which is used mainly by parents and other adults to address young children. It is most commonly associated with the Tuscan dialect. However, it can also be heard elsewhere in Italy. A number of Italian male first names are also known as “Mimmo”.
Cucciolo / Cucciola
KOO|cho|loh, KOO|cho|lah
Puppy, rookie
Parents often use the term “cucciolo” to refer to their children. It literally means “puppy.” It can also be used as a descriptor of someone with little experience. For example, we might call a newbie a “rookie” until they have proven themselves on the job.
Passerotto / Passerotta
pass|eh|ROHT|toh, pass|eh|ROHT|tah
Baby sparrow
It is the Italian term for sparrow, “passero,” with the diminutive suffix of “-otto” for a baby sparrow. However, this is a word that parents use often with/about their children. In fact, the plural form “passerotti” can also be used to replace “the children” amongst friends. It is also used to describe sweethearts. (Unrelated: I found it interesting that one of the English translations suggested for “passerotto”, on WordReference.com, is “lambkin”. I’m pretty sure that I haven’t heard that one in quite a while. I need your help to bring it back.
Topolino / Topolina
toh|poh|LEE|noh, toh|poh|LEE|nah
little mouse, Mickey Mouse
You’ll see the trend of diminutive italicized versions of other Italian words used as terms for endearment. Topo means “mouse,” and topolino means “little mouse.” This is a term that’s mainly used by parents to refer to their children. Many of you may recall my contribution to the . You might also remember that Mickey Mouse was given the term “topolino”, in the 1930s. This nickname stuck and, despite the fact that many English words have been adopted into the Italian language, Mickey Mouse is still called Topolino.
Fragolina
frah|goh|LEE|nah
Little strawberry
We move on to small animals and small food with “fragolina.” I suspect that this means that you won’t see many little boys being called “fragolina” in the home by their parents. However, there may be some innovative and boundary-breaking Italian parents. This one could also be used in parent-child relationships.
Patatino / Patatina
pah|tah|TEE|noh, pah|tah|TEE|nah
little potato, French fry, potato chip
This one reminds of the French “mon petit chou”, a common endearment which literally means, “my little cabbage.” In Italian, the word patata is “potato” so calling someone a “patatino”, or “patatina”, is like calling them your “little potato.” In Italy, “patatina” refers to a French fry or potato chips. It should be noted that “patatina”, which is also the Italian word for a French fry or potato chip, has a more vulgar connotation. (Think, “grab’em by …,”” or the pink cat-ear caps millions of American women have been knitting), but this would be obvious from the context.
Polpetto
pohl|PEHT|toh
Meatball
You don’t want to think that cute food words are leaving out beloved grown men, so I will reward you with “polpetto” (the feminine form). This means “meatball”, which is something that Italians eat, but . It’s also a term of affection for men when you use the masculine form of the word. It doesn’t seem to have any direct connection with “meathead,” however.
Italy Roundtable: Other Voices
See what my friends are discussing this month! Follow me to each link to read their posts. Please leave comments and share them with friends. Tune in next month to see another topic on Italy Blogging Roundtable!
- ArtTrav
- At Home in Tuscany: “Friendship” or “Family?” In small communities
- Bleeding Espresso –
- Brigolante – Friendship – Just Add Water
- Ciao Amalfi –
- Driving like a Maniac
- Girl from Florence – Friendship and One Week In Croatia
- Italofile
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