Parole Pericolose: 5 Embarrassing Words That You May Be Saying in Italian

Note: This article was written by a contributor - Rachel Vermiglio Smith - and has been updated. Rachel graduated with a degree in Italian language and literature. After falling in love with Italian art as well, she went on for a master’s in art history with a focus on the Italian Renaissance. You can follow her on Instagram @theitalianista.

---

When speaking Italian, a misplaced or a mispronounced letter can change the meaning and botch what you’re trying to say.

Case in point: One night at aperitivo, my American friend wanted to order the classic Italian pre-dinner cocktail called “negroni.”

Unfortunately for him, he very politely and very seriously asked our waitress instead for a “negrone”, a derogatory term for a large black man.

In the end, after hysterical tears of laughter, he did manage to get the drink he wanted and escaped with only a slightly bruised ego.

We’ve all been there; it is so easy to make these mistakes!

Below I’ve compiled 5 (not entirely for polite company) easily mixed up words.

You’ve been warned!

5 Parole Pericolose in Italiano

1. Penne vs. Pene

We all know and love penne pasta, but how many of us have inadvertently ordered penis pasta without even realizing it?

In Italian, when there are two of the same consonants next to each other, the vowel before it is elongated.

The difference can be tricky for non-native speakers, but it is so very, very important.

Remember, penne (pehhh-neh) is pen/pasta and pene (pen-eh) is penis!