From Boh to Figo: 15 Italian Gen Z Slang Words You Gotta Know

Italian Slang 101: Gen Z Edition – 15 Must-Know Phrases to Level Up Your Italiano

Think you’ve got Italian down just because you know “ciao” and “grazie”? Time for a reality check! Italian Gen Z has totally reinvented the language with slang that’s all about keeping things fresh, modern, and cool. Whether you're scrolling through Italian TikTok, chilling in a Milan café, or trying to connect with your Italian friends, knowing the right slang will level up your game instantly. We’re talking about words that go beyond the textbook—phrases that will make you sound like you were born and raised in the heart of Italy’s vibrant Gen Z scene.

From words like "boh" (I don’t know) to "figo" (cool), these slang terms will help you navigate the world of Italian youth culture with ease. Ready to dive into the 15 must-know Italian Gen Z slang words that will take your Italian skills from basic to bellissimo? Let’s go, fam—your new favorite words are just a scroll away!

1. "Boh"

This word is an Italian classic. Boh is the equivalent of “I don’t know” or “who knows?” It’s super casual and works in just about any situation where you’re unsure or indifferent.

• Pronunciation: “Boh” (exactly how it looks!).
• How to use it: “Cosa vuoi fare oggi?” “Boh.” (What do you want to do today? I don’t know.)
  In short: Boh is the perfect, laid-back way to say “no clue.”

2. "Figo/Figa"

If something or someone is cool or hot, you’d call them figo (for guys) or figa (for girls). It’s a fun way to compliment someone’s look or hype up something you think is awesome.

• Pronunciation: “Fee-go” (for guys) and “Fee-gah” (for girls).
• How to use it: “Questo vestito è troppo figo!” (That dress is super cool!)
  In short: Use figo or figa to call out something stylish, trendy, or hot.

3. "Sgamato"

If someone is caught in the act or busted doing something sneaky, they’ve been sgamato. It’s used when someone’s tricks have been found out.

• Pronunciation: “Sga-mah-toh”.
• How to use it: “Lui è stato sgamato a copiare l’esame.” (He got caught cheating on the exam.)
  In short: Use sgamato when someone’s been exposed.

4. "Top"

This one’s easy—top means the best or amazing. It’s used by Italian Gen Z to describe anything that’s next level or super cool.

• Pronunciation: “Top” (just like in English).
• How to use it: “La festa di ieri era top!” (Yesterday’s party was amazing!)
  In short: Use top to describe something that was epic or perfect.

5. "Ci sta"

This is the Italian Gen Z way of saying “that works” or “I’m down.” It’s used to agree with something or express that something’s a good idea.

• Pronunciation: “Chee stah”.
• How to use it: “Andiamo al cinema?” “Sì, ci sta!” (Shall we go to the movies? Yeah, that works!)
  In short: Use ci sta to say you’re on board with an idea.

6. "A fagiolo"

Literally translating to “like a bean,” a fagiolo means something fits or works perfectly. It’s used when something just clicks into place or is exactly right for the situation.

• Pronunciation: “Ah fah-jo-loh”.
• How to use it: “Questa canzone è arrivata a fagiolo!” (This song came at the perfect time!)
  In short: Say a fagiolo when something is a perfect match or well-timed.

7. "Pacca"

When something is lame or a failure, you call it a pacca. It’s like calling something a flop. Italian Gen Z loves using it to describe boring parties or failed plans.

• Pronunciation: “Pah-kah”.
• How to use it: “La festa era una pacca totale.” (The party was a total flop.)
  In short: When something doesn’t live up to the hype, call it a pacca.

8. "Spacca"

On the flip side, if something rocks or is amazing, you’d say it spacca—literally meaning “it breaks.” It’s used when something exceeds expectations.

• Pronunciation: “Spah-kah”.
• How to use it: “Questa serie TV spacca!” (This TV series is amazing!)
  In short: Use spacca when something is next-level awesome.

9. "Tanta roba"

This phrase literally means “a lot of stuff”, but Italian Gen Z uses it to describe something that’s impressive or big deal. Whether it’s a killer outfit or an exciting event, tanta roba is your go-to phrase.

• Pronunciation: “Tahn-tah roh-bah”.
• How to use it: “Quella macchina è tanta roba!” (That car is amazing!)
  In short: Use tanta roba to describe something impressive or dope.

10. "Scialla"

If you’re chill or want someone to relax, you use scialla. It’s the Italian version of “take it easy” or “chill out.”

• Pronunciation: “Shyah-lah”.
• How to use it: “Scialla, non è un problema.” (Chill, it’s not a big deal.)
  In short: Use scialla when you’re telling someone to keep cool.

11. "Sbroccare"

This word means to freak out or lose your temper. When someone can’t handle something and goes off the rails, they’re sbroccando.

• Pronunciation: “Sbroh-kah-ray”.
• How to use it: “Mia madre ha sbroccato quando ha visto il casino.” (My mom freaked out when she saw the mess.)
  In short: Use sbroccare when someone’s freaking out.

12. "Fare il botto"

This slang means to be successful or make a splash. If something is a hit, whether it’s a new song or a viral post, you’d say it’s fatto il botto.

• Pronunciation: “Fah-ray eel boh-toh”.
• How to use it: “Quel video ha fatto il botto!” (That video went viral!)
  In short: Say fare il botto when something blows up in a good way.

13. "Essere una bomba"

If something’s bomb or amazing, Italian Gen Z calls it una bomba. It’s like saying something is fire or lit.

• Pronunciation: “Bom-bah”.
• How to use it: “Questo gelato è una bomba!” (This ice cream is bomb!)
  In short: Use una bomba to describe something that’s seriously awesome.

14. "Piazzare"

If you’re nailing something or doing a great job, you’re piazzando it. It’s often used when someone is killing it, especially in competitions or at work.

• Pronunciation: “Pee-ah-tsah-ray”.
• How to use it: “Hai piazzato quel discorso!” (You nailed that speech!)
  In short: Use piazzare to say someone crushed it.

15. "Cavolo"

This word literally means “cabbage,” but Italian Gen Z uses cavolo as a softer way to say “damn” or “wow.” It’s like a mild exclamation when you’re surprised.

• Pronunciation: “Cah-voh-loh”.
• How to use it: “Cavolo, che giornata!” (Wow, what a day!)
  In short: Use cavolo when you want to express surprise or frustration without cursing.

Now that you’re armed with these 15 Italian Gen Z slang words, you're ready to blend in with the coolest crowds in Italy. Whether you're describing something as figo (cool), telling your friends to scialla (chill), or calling something top (the best), these phrases will make you sound like a local in no time.

Italian slang is more than just words—it's about capturing the vibe, the culture, and the energy of Italy’s younger generation. Use these words when chatting with friends, commenting on social media, or just trying to understand what’s trending in Italy. Stay tuned for more language tips, cultural insights, and the latest Gen Z trends right here at Woke Waves Magazine—where global youth culture comes alive. Ciao for now!

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