stacce

ˈstat.tʃeexclamation

What does stacce mean? stacce is a Italian mild that translates to “deal with it, suck it up” in English.

stay there / deal with it (Roman dialect)

01

"deal with it, suck it up"

Roman dialect contraction of 'stacci' (stay there/deal with it). It's dismissive — telling someone their problem isn't going to be solved, so they should accept it. 'Stacce' became a nationwide meme and catchphrase, transcending its Roman origins to become a pan-Italian expression of resigned acceptance.

'Non ti piace? Stacce.' — you don't like it? Deal with it. Used as a mic-drop dismissal of complaints.

Romemild

Native territory; deeply embedded in romanesco

National (internet)mild

Spread via memes; used ironically and sincerely

Context

  • Casual conversations with friends
  • Informal settings where profanity is accepted
  • As a spontaneous exclamation

Avoid

  • Professional or formal settings
  • Job interviews, meetings, or customer-facing situations

Cultural Context

Went viral as an internet meme and became part of national vocabulary. It captures the Roman attitude of philosophical acceptance mixed with indifference — a kind of working-class stoicism. Rome's dialect has always punched above its weight in Italian slang, giving the nation phrases like 'daje' (come on) and 'stacce.'

More in Italian 🇮🇹

View all →
4 / 5animal, gendered

cagna

[ˈkaɲɲa]

bitch

Direct equivalent to English 'bitch.'

2 / 5exclamation, body part

che palle

ke ˈpal.le

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.

5 / 5anatomical, insult

vaffanculo

[vaffaŋˈkuːlo]

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.

3 / 5sexual, insult

fottere

ˈfot.te.re

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.'

2 / 5anatomical, exclamation

palle

[ˈpalle]

balls / what a pain

Used in 'che palle!' (what a pain/balls) to express boredom or annoyance. Less vulgar than cazzo.

5 / 5sexual, slur

frocio

[ˈfrɔːtʃo]

faggot / poof

Homophobic slur for gay men. Originates from Roman dialect.

4 / 5anatomical, regional

mona

[ˈmoːna]

cunt

Venetian/Friulian dialect for female genitalia.

3 / 5insult

infame

inˈfaː.me

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.