C’era una volta, there was someone I knew who I called Hawaiian Shirt Guy. It wasn’t a very original nickname. As you might have guessed, it came from him always wearing Hawaiian shirts 😂
Whenever I saw him, he would try to hit on me, but I would always politely refuse his advances. When I was telling my Italian tutor, Blessy, about him one day, I tried to explain how I would always tell him no when he asked me out, and she said something wonderful.
Ah, l’hai bidonato. - Ah, you blew him off.
This can be used for more than just sidestepping advances, or provando con te. It can also be used to talk about bailing on someone for plans that you two had.
Like, “Ieri sera mi hai bidonato! - You stood me up last night!”
Or, “Non mi bidonare! Devi per forza uscire stasera. - Don’t bail on me. You definitely have to go out tonight.”
Another phrase you can use to express a similar sentiment is, “dare buca” like “mi hai dato buca!”
Have questions? Hit reply!
Un abbraccio,
Cher
Note of language love: All of our articles, lessons, and podcast episodes have been edited by Irene Malentacchi, the founder of Italian in Love. However, if you find a mistake, let us know! We want these articles to be accurate, accessible, and easy to understand. Reach out directly at italianwithcher@gmail.com or leave a comment. Grazie in anticipo!
Note to the passionate Italian language student: This is a free lesson that I hope makes you laugh and love Italian just a little bit more than you already do. If you love this content, please consider becoming a paid subscriber. Everything around is funded by readers like you and by my enthusiasm for the Italian language and culture. Grazie in anticipo!
You blew me off!