Italian culture
Mangia, Mangia!: When “Eat, Eat” Stops Being About Food
In America, a familiar Italian expression invites you to enjoy a meal. In Italy, it can also accuse people of taking too much.
Mangiarsi le Mani: The Italian Expression for Regret
English speakers kick themselves over a missed opportunity. Italians turn themselves into the meal.
What an Italian Proverb About Cake Teaches Us About Imperfection
Not everything turns out as planned. Italians have a proverb for that, and it comes with pastry.
Avere Sale in Zucca: When Common Sense Needs Seasoning
Italians know that an empty head can sometimes be improved with the right condiment.
Avere Le Mani in Pasta: When Italians Get Involved
English puts a finger in every pie. Italian puts both hands into the dough.
Carne da Macello: When Italians Turn People into Meat
Italian gives human expendability a distinctly culinary form.
Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better in Italy
In Italy, the true measure of value may be found in the cellar.
Fare il Pesce in Barile: When Italians Play the Fish in a Barrel
Some forms of indecision are less innocent than they look—and Italian has the perfect food for them.
A Fagiolo: The Right Thing is a Bean in Italian
One small legume can be timely, useful, welcome, and exactly right.
Vestirsi a Cipolla: What This Italian Expression Really Means
It may sound like terrible advice during an Italian heatwave. But sooner or later, someone will tell you to dress like an onion.
