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Italian Phrases Maltese People Overuse – Part II

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Like a Havana perv, Italian slides up behind us and inserts itself into our everyday speech. 

Here are some more examples of Taljanati we’re prone to use:

1. Troppo tardi

When it’s just too late. Saying it in Italian makes it sound more dramatic.

Joe:
Father, għandi x’inqerr. Ili nitrattjeni, imma aħjar nitkellem qabel ma jkun troppo tardi

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2. Mamma mia

The Italian equivalent of OMG! Also an iconic song by Swedish pop band Abba.

Fr. Renzo: “Għidli Joe…x’għamilt? Mamma mia, kemm drama dalgħodu!

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3. Sintendi

One assumes…loved by lawyers and others who strive to sound important.

Joe: “Father, sintendi, dan kollox confidential hux?

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4. Altrimenti

Otherwise…see point 3 for usage tips.

Renzo: “Mhux ovvja Joe! Qrara dejjem sigrieta, altrimenti għalxiex taħseb li qiegħed hawn?

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5. Si fa per dire

Sort of, speċi ta’, taf int…said with a sneer and a rotatory wrist movement for maximal effect.

Joe: “Tiftakarha lil Ramona, Father? Ħabiba ta’ Darlene din…insomma, si fa per dire ħabiba, għax xebgħet taqbzilha fuq ir-raġel!

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6. Che c’entra?

What’s that got to do with anything? X’għandu x’jaqsam? 3 syllables in Italian versus 9 in English and 4 in Maltese. Forza Azzurri!

Renzo: “Ija issa Darlene che c’entra? Mhux fuq Ramona kont se tgħidli?

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7. Da capo

From the top. Has a vaguely Mafia ring to it.

Joe: “Għandek raġun Father. Ha nibdilek da capo. Din Ramona insomma…

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8. Acqua passata

Water under the bridge. Sounds more forgiving in Italian…but forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting.

Renzo: “Ija ija, dik imqarba…darba kienet qabdet qabda mas-sagristan, imma insomma, acqua passata…kompli.

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9. Cioé

I mean, sort of…a midget cousin of si va per dire.

Joe: “Din bdiet tkellimni Facebook, u jien iċċuċ irrispondejtha. Cioé, bgħattilha ritratt…

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10. Parole si, fatti no

All talk, no action. Mainly used when describing electoral promises.

Renzo: “U iva, b’daqshekk? Naf kif int Joe, parole si, fatti no

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11. Naqla cinque

Literally, I’ll receive five. Meaning a slap. Probably on the face.

Joe: “Kien naqra pastaż ir-ritratt…qed niddejjaq ngħidlek Father, għax naqla cinque mingħandek.

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12. Jew vi jew va

One way or another. This is what happens when Maltese and Italian get drunk and have a bastard child.

Renzo: “U tkunx balalu Joe, jew vi jew va, trid tgħidli jekk tridni ngħinek.

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13. Tinkazza

Pissed off. Cazzo means “willy” in Italian. Why willies should annoy is beyond me.

Joe: “Qed nibza li se tinkazza…bgħattilha ritratt tiegħi bil-patata barra. U imbagħad…ma weġbitnix iktar.

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14. Vallapena

Corruption of “vale la pena“, meaning “it’s worth it” in English or “wertit” in Maltese. Usually said sarcastically.

Renzo: “Vallapena eh…

Obama Vallapena

Any others? Tell us qua sotto in the comments!

READ NEXT: Italian Words Maltese People Love To Use

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