Cosa Dici?!

What are you saying?

Our Latest Video

Cibo Bloopers

Episode 25: We love talking about food and their linguistic origins, but sometimes what we want to say doesn’t come out exactly as we intended. So, this week we’re showing some of those mistakes in our Bloopers Cibo Edition video.

Have you ever thought about the origin of those famous Italian American words?

We did. That’s why we created our content series called Cosa Dici.

Let's learn about Italian American!

Have you ever wondered what the origins of some words are? For example, capisce, agida, or marone?

So many of these words were created through a combination of English and the regional languages of Southern Italy. Italian immigrants created this sort of pidgin (incomplete) language that exists in certain parts of the United States (mostly New York and New Jersey, but can also be seen in cities like Chicago and Boston).

It all started at the end of the 1800s, and carried through the 1950s, when there was a vast wave of migration from Southern Italy to the United States. Those who immigrated, brought with them their regional vernaculars and thus, over time, those languages merged with English (especially as Italians sought to assimilate as much as possible).

So, to celebrate the history of Italian Americans, every Friday Luna Splendori will bring you a new lesson that combines culture, language and our heritage. We call this series Cosa Dici?!, which means What’re you saying?

About Luna: Luna works at Collina Italiana as our program assistant, but is also currently in school studying linguistics and completing a thesis on Italian American culture and language. She’s as passionate about the Italian and Italian American languages and cultures as she is about helping people learn the origins of the words she loves.

Capisce

Episode 1: This week on Cosa Dici we’ll be examining the word capisce. And if you’re not familiar with the term “schwa” then this is an episode you can’t afford to miss.

Agida

Episode 2: This week on Cosa Dici we’ll be focusing on the word agida. Whether you think it means uncomfortably full, or maybe just uncomfortable, Luna will be discussing the different meanings and origin of the word.

Dialect

Episode 3: We’re switching up the format this week for a topic that we feel is incredibly important. – What is the true meaning of dialect? – You may be surprised once Luna digs into the history.

Our goal with this week’s episode is to encourage you to discover the numerous regional vernaculars that are quickly disappearing. This is part of our Italian heritage and hopefully won’t be completely lost.

Stunad

Episode 4: We have a fun word this week – stunad. And as Luna says, “If an Italian American calls you a stunad, it’s not a compliment.”

Musciad

Episode 5: This week Luna is examining a lesser-known word – Musciad. We’re interested to hear if it’s a word that you use with your family or just generally lives in your vocabulary.

Schfoiadell

Episode 6: This week’s word is easily our most delicious – Schfoiadell. WARNING. For those who have a sweet tooth, watch the following episode with extreme caution or be ready to go visit your local Italian bakery immediately.

Grazie

Episode 7: This week’s episode is short. Actually, it’s less of an episode and more like a public service announcement. Are you mispronouncing the word grazie? Click on the video and in less than 60 seconds you’ll know for sure. And remember, friends don’t let friends pronounce the word grazie incorrectly.

Ti Amo

Episode 8: We have another quick episode this week that examines the proper use of the phrase TI AMO. Who should receive TI AMO and who should you say TI VOGLIO BENE to? Find out by watching this week’s Cosa Dici.

Bloopers

Episode 9: We’re doing something completely different this week on Cosa Dici. Every week we put together a short video that we hope provides equal parts education and entertainment. And although Luna makes it look effortless, there are always some outtakes and bloopers that have to hit the cutting room floor….until today.

This is going to be our last video for a couple of weeks. We plan on taking that time to gather new material, so please comment or email us if you have any words or phrases you want to know more about. If your suggestion gets used, we’ll make sure to give you a shoutout in the video.

Gavone

Episode 10: We’re back! This week we’re talking about the word – Gavone. A big thank you to Michele Yorio for suggesting the word. And remember, if there’s a word or phrase that you want to know more about, let us know in the comments section or shoot us an email.

Goombah

Episode 11: This week we’re calling for all of our Goombah’s to learn about the word – Goombah. Does Goombah get a bum rap? Find out when Luna gives you all of the linguistic details.

Goomar

Episode 12: Last week we talked about the word Goombah. This week we have the female equivalent – Goomar. The words have very similar pronunciations, but as you’ll hear from Luna, they can have similar and wildly different meanings. So be careful how you use it.

Marone

Episode 13: This week’s word is typically paired with a famous hand gesture – Marone. Broadly used to signify any occasion for emotion, Luna gives you the backstory on the origin of the word.

Gabagool

Episode 14: We’re really excited for this week’s word. In theory it simply refers to a deli meat, but in pop culture it has a much broader connotation towards Italian Americans. This week’s word is Gabagool.

Rome

Episode 15: This week Luna is on location, and vacation, in famous Rome. She’ll give you a tour of the Vatican, provide you with some historical facts, and of course, throw in a quick language lesson.

Gagootz

Episode 16: This week’s word has a multitude of uses – Gagootz. From something you eat, to someone who isn’t that smart, and even the thing that sits on your shoulders, maybe it’s time to add gagootz to your vocabulary.

Chooch

Episode 17: This week we’re looking at another word that serves as an insult – Chooch. It’s a bit lesser known than the ones we’ve examined in the past, so we won’t be surprised if it’s a new one to add to your vocabulary.

Cibo Introduction

Episode 18: We’re back this week to introduce our new Cosa Dici segment called Cibo. In the upcoming weeks we’ll be releasing new videos about something all Italians are passionate about – Food.

Spaghetti and Meatballs

Episode 19: We’re kicking off our Cosa Dici Cibo Edition with that classic Italian dish—spaghetti and meatballs. And by classic Italian dish, we mean the 100% Italian American dish adapted from traditional Italian food. Enjoy!

Vodka Sauce

Episode 20: This week we talk about the perfect Friday Happy Hour Italian American dish – Vodka sauce. Enjoy!

Parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano

Episode 21: This week we’re sinking our teeth into some cheese. More specifically, we’re discussing the difference between (American) Parmesan and Parmigiano-Reggiano.

Chicken Parm

Episode 22: Last week we talked about Parm the cheese, so it only makes sense that we’d move on to Parm the dish. That’s right, we’re digging into Chicken Parm this week.

Fettuccine Alfredo

Episode 23: Today we’re on a search for the creator of one of the most famous and ubiquitous Italian American sauces – Alfredo Sauce. Who is this Alfredo and how did he come up with Fettuccine Alfredo?

Mozzarella

Episode 24: This week’s episode is the marriage of food and language. We’re talking about the perfect cheese for practically any occasion – Mozzarella. Where did its name come from and what other cheeses are in the group known as FORMAGGI A PASTA FILATA?