schifezza
What does schifezza mean? schifezza is a Italian mild that translates to “disgusting thing, garbage, crap” in English.
Literal Translation
disgusting thing (from schifo — disgust)
Meaning & Usage
"disgusting thing, garbage, crap"
Something disgusting or of terrible quality — from 'schifo' (disgust). 'Che schifezza' covers bad food, bad weather, bad movies, and bad behavior. It's emphatic but not vulgar — one of those useful words that lets you express strong disapproval without crossing into profanity.
Examples in the Wild
'Che schifezza questo caffè' — this coffee is disgusting. 'Questa pizza è una schifezza' — this pizza is garbage (fighting words in Italy). 'Che schifezza di tempo' — what disgusting weather.
When to Use It
Context
- Casual conversations with friends
- Informal settings where profanity is accepted
- As a spontaneous exclamation
- Direct confrontation (use with caution)
Avoid
- Professional or formal settings
- Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations
Cultural Context
Italians are famously particular about quality — food, design, fashion — and 'schifezza' is the word that enforces those standards. Calling something 'una schifezza' is an aesthetic and moral judgment rolled into one. It implies that the thing offends your sensibilities, not just your preferences.
More in Italian 🇮🇹
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“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.