Cheeky LingoThe words they skip in class.

Coming 5 December 2026

Cheeky Italian

Slang, Insults, Flirting and Hand Gestures They Don't Teach in Class

Buy on Amazon (coming soon)Free extras for readers

A taste

  • Ciao!

    CHOW

    Literally
    (Your) slave!
    Means
    Hi! Bye! Both, on the same visit.
    Card 1everywhere in Italy

  • Che cagata!

    keh kah-GAH-tah

    Literally
    What a crap!
    Means
    What a load of garbage! That's awful!
    Card 35everywhere in Italy

  • Che casino!

    keh kah-ZEE-noh

    Literally
    What a brothel! (Its old meaning.)
    Means
    What a mess! What chaos!
    Card 43everywhere in Italy

Inside: 300 phrases in 14 chapters

Every phrase comes with a pronunciation respelling, the literal meaning, what it really means, and the Nonna-meter: from 1 (she says it herself) to 4 (she throws the slipper). Each one is numbered, and the matching flashcard is free for readers.

  1. 01Ciao Is Not Hello20
  2. 02Coffee, Carbs and the Bill Fight22
  3. 03Horns, Strikes and Line-Cutters18
  4. 04The Bar and the Match26
  5. 05Flirting, Dating and the Rest26
  6. 06Nonna, Mamma and the Five-Hour Lunch20
  7. 07Texting and the 48-Second Voice Note12
  8. 08Swearing in Front of Nonna18
  9. 09The Big Words36
  10. 10Insults, and Where to Tell People to Go34
  11. 11The Ones You Never Say8
  12. 12Swear Like a Local28
  13. 13Talk With Your Hands24
  14. 14Never Say This8