Italians on Italians
Beyond Toscano

Still lost in translation

Still lost in translation
We've already shared some Italian words or phrases that have no literal translation into English in a previous post. But seeing as it is such a long list, and a great example of how sometimes, the Italian language can be a curious creature, here are some more. 
 
Ciofeca – used much in the same way as garbage, crap, or rubbish may be uttered in English to express disgust at an item's quality. Unlike garbage however, it has no real object as a reference point, and is confusingly used most often to describe a bad drink.
 
Gattara - the closest expression in the U.S. is 'crazy cat lady'. A gattara is an elderly woman who opens her home to local stray cats and cares for them. As you can imagine, things can soon get out of hand.
 
Qualunquismo – used to describe a distrust and apathy towards politics, the word comes from the name of a party known as The Common Man's Front, offering an alternative to the main rival parties in 1946.
 
Pantofolaio – the closest English expression for this is 'home body', or perhaps even, 'couch potato'. Taken from the word 'pantofole', meaning slippers, a pantofolaio is someone who prefers the peace and quiet of staying at home, avoiding venturing out unless necessary.