Racalmutese words, phrases and assorted
Italo-Canadian creations
PHRASES:
Beddra matri: literally translated: "good mother". Usually refers to the Virgin Mary. Used when one is upset or surprised
Chi ni chi na?: why is it so?
Mi voglu fari the cruci cu la mani manca: literally translated: "I want to make the sign of the cross with my left hand". Used when one is frustrated or astonished at a turn of events. Making the sign of the cross with your left hand is considered blasphemous and therefore wishing to do so indicates a very disturbing situation;
To fazi chianciri: I'll make you cry;
Veni ca ca ti scannu!: come here so I can kill (butcher) you!
Vuscu lu pani: I earn my daily bread. Refers to going to work;
ASSORTED ITALO-ENGLISH CREATIONS
Bacousu: literally translated: "Back house" Referring to washroom;
Caru: car;
Fardali: hot dogs;
Isi-scrima: ice cream;
WORDS
| Anrevu: | Little lamb. Endearing term for a small helpless child; |
| Beddra: | beautiful; |
| Carusa: | girl; |
| Langnusu: | lazy; |
| Lavancatu: | broken down; |
| Minschinu: | poor little miserable wretch. Usually used when one is in trouble with one’s parent(s); |
| Moviti: | stay here; |
| Piciliddra: | female child; |
| Piciliddru: | male child; |
| Rugnusu: | miserable person. A nuisance; |
| Schraviatu: | strewn to and from….in a mess; |
| Scrima: | the part in your hair. Usually a perfectly straight line. Popular in the days of brylcrea |
| Stiza: | very little (see: Tantichia, uccia); |
| Surdu: | deaf; |
| Susu: | upstairs (see: Usu); |
| Tantichia: | upstairs (see: Usu); |
| Susu: | a little bit; |
| Tinta: | bad; |
| Uccia: | a drop; |
| Usu: | downstairs (see: susu); |