fregare
What does fregare mean? fregare is a Italian moderate that translates to “to rip off, to steal, to screw over” in English.
Literal Translation
to rub / to steal / to screw over
Meaning & Usage
"to rip off, to steal, to screw over"
Literally 'to rub,' but in slang it means to steal or to cheat someone. 'Mi ha fregato' — he ripped me off. 'Chi se ne frega' — who gives a damn (literally: who rubs themselves about it). The reflexive 'fregarsene' is one of Italian's most essential expressions of indifference.
Examples in the Wild
'Chi se ne frega!' — who cares! 'Mi ha fregato 50 euro' — he ripped me off 50 euros. 'Me ne frego' — I don't care (historically loaded — was a Fascist slogan).
When to Use It
Context
- Casual conversations with friends
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- Direct confrontation (use with caution)
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
The progression from 'fregare' (mild) to 'fottere' (vulgar) for 'to screw over' mirrors the cavolo/cazzo system. 'Chi se ne frega' is acceptable in most company; 'chi se ne fotte' is not. Both express the same magnificent Italian indifference, just at different volume levels.
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.