These contain some examples of vulgar language.
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They say better out than in. No one believes this more than the Italians who think arguing is healthy, certainly a lot healthier than brewing resentment. An argument in the middle of an Italian square sounds as if another war has broken out, but by the time you've got yourself all upset they've already made up and behave as if nothing has happened.
To survive in Italy you often have to be louder than everyone around you, that's why they all sound so angry! They're not really.
The language used in arguments is very colourful and can be very amusing. If you ever find yourself involved, here's how to hold your own.  What do you want from me?
Threats
Tell them where to go
Calling names
What are you talking about?
Who do you think you are dealing with?
(* = familiar, ** = very familiar, *** = vulgar, R = plain rude, Lit. = Literally)
What do you want from me?
Cosa avanzi? (**) When someone is looking at you as if you owe them something.
Hai qualche problema? or C'è qualche problema? (*) Got a problem? Or, is there a problem?
Always a good way of starting an argument.
Che cavolo vuoi? (**) What the hell do you want? Lit. What cabbage do you want?
Cos'hai da guardare? or Che cavolo hai da guardare? What are you looking at? Lit. What cabbage are you looking at? In short, Cavolo guardi?
Cavolo can be substituted for Cacchio (***) which is a little bit ruder or Cazzo (R) which is very, very rude - used when people really mean business. back to the top Threats
Ti prendo a sberle (**) I'll give you a good slapping.
Ti faccio un culo così (R) I'll make you a bum like this... or something to that effect which means I will sort you out.
Ti rifaccio la dentatura (**) I'll rearrange you teeth.
Me la paghi cara (*) You'll pay dearly. back to the top Tell them where to go
Vai a cagare (R) Go take a dump.
Vai a cagare sulle ortiche (R) Go take a dump on stinging nettles.
Ma vai a quel paese (R) Lit. Go to that country. Get lost. back to the top Calling names
Porco (***) Pig.
Contaballe (***) Liar.
Leccaculo/Lecchino (***) Bootlicker.
Mi fai schifo! (**) You disgust me! back to the top What are you talking about?
Che cavolo dici? (*) What the hell are you talking about?
Non sparare cazzate (***) Don't talk crap. back to the top Who do you think you are dealing with?
Con chi credi di parlare? (*) Who do you think you are talking to?
Credi che sia nato/a ieri? (*) Do you think I was born yesterday?
Mi prendi per scemo/a? (**) Do you think I'm stupid?
Non prendermi per il culo (***) Lit. Don't take me by the bum. Don't take the Mickey.
Ma tu ti droghi! (**) You're on drugs! back to the top | 
