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.
fottere
“to fuck, to screw over”
The oldest Italian word for sexual intercourse, directly from Latin 'futuere.' In modern usage, it's less common for sex than 'scopare' but dominates in the figurative sense of 'to cheat/screw someone over.' 'Mi ha fottuto' means 'he screwed me over.' 'Fottiti' means 'fuck you.' 'Fottesega' means 'who gives a fuck.'
palle
“balls / what a pain”
Used in 'che palle!' (what a pain/balls) to express boredom or annoyance. Less vulgar than cazzo.
frocio
“faggot / poof”
Homophobic slur for gay men. Originates from Roman dialect.
mona
“cunt”
Venetian/Friulian dialect for female genitalia.
infame
“snitch, traitor, rat”
Someone without honor — specifically, someone who betrays trust or informs on others. In Italian street culture and criminal contexts, 'infame' is one of the worst things you can be called because it strikes at omertà (the code of silence). Even outside criminal circles, being 'infame' means being a backstabbing traitor.