cagare
What does cagare mean? cagare is a Italian moderate that translates to “to shit, to give a shit” in English.
Literal Translation
to shit
Meaning & Usage
"to shit, to give a shit"
The vulgar verb 'to shit' — but in Italian it's equally important in negative constructions. 'Non cagare qualcuno' means to completely ignore someone — to not give them even the dignity of a shit. 'Me ne cago' means 'I don't give a shit.' The verb does as much metaphorical work as literal.
Examples in the Wild
'Non mi caga neanche' — he doesn't even acknowledge my existence. 'Me ne cago!' — I don't give a shit! 'Mi sono cagato addosso' — I shit myself (fear or literally).
When to Use It
Context
- Casual conversations with friends
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
Italian has two levels for this verb: 'cacare/cagare' (crude) and 'defecare' (medical). In spoken Italian, 'cagare' dominates both literal and figurative uses. 'Non mi caga nessuno' (nobody gives me the time of day/nobody shits on me) is a common complaint. The phrase 'vai a cagare' (go shit yourself) is already in the database as a classic dismissal.
More in Italian 🇮🇹
View all →cagna
“bitch”
Direct equivalent to English 'bitch.'
che palle
“what a drag, how boring, ugh”
An expression of boredom, annoyance, or exasperation — literally 'what balls,' implying that something is so tedious it weighs on you like heavy testicles. 'Che palle' is one of Italian's most frequently uttered phrases, covering everything from a boring meeting to a rainy weekend.
vaffanculo
“fuck off / fuck you”
Contraction of 'va' a fare in culo' (go do it in the ass). The ultimate Italian insult. Often accompanied by the 'fig' hand gesture.
porca miseria
“damn it / holy crap”
Stronger expression of frustration combining 'porca' (pig) with 'misery.' Classic Italian exclamation for everyday annoyances.
mona
“cunt”
Venetian/Friulian dialect for female genitalia.
daje
“come on, let's go, yeah”
Roman dialect for 'dai' (come on/give it). It's a multipurpose exclamation: encouragement ('daje, puoi farcela!' — come on, you can do it!), celebration ('daje!' — yes!), frustration ('ma daje!' — oh come on!). It's the sound of Roman enthusiasm concentrated into one syllable.
pezzo di merda
“piece of shit”
Ultimate expression of contempt for a person.
fesso
“fool, sucker, chump”
A fool, a sucker — someone who's been 'cracked' or broken mentally. In Neapolitan culture, 'fesso' is the opposite of 'furbo' (clever/cunning). The furbo-fesso dichotomy is central to southern Italian social philosophy: the world is divided into those who outsmart and those who get outsmarted.